A/N: Day 5: Friends with Benefits Friday. Still on Earth 1, Iris and Barry decide to slow things down a bit because of the trust issue, and so to their friends and family, they're back to being just friends; close friends. I hope you enjoy it. Please read and review. Thanks, everyone!

~o~o~

Chapter 5: I Can Love You

The next day, at Star Labs:

In the elevator, Barry and Iris were kissing, not wanting to stop or let go of the other.

A minute later, then, "Okay, that's enough," he whispered and released her lips. He straightened his clothes; Iris fixed her lipstick; and straightened her blouse.

"Hold on a minute," she said and pulled out a tissue and wiped the lipstick from his lips. They stared at each other. Barry leaned down; Iris stood up on her tiptoes.

Before they could kiss again, the elevator dinged; they jumped apart. He straightened his jacket; Iris smoothed her hair. They exited the elevator.

"This isn't going to work," she whispered and glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.

"Just follow my lead," he said and walked toward the Lab.

"Barry, everyone knows how we feel," Iris said.

"Let's just enjoy this; I mean we need to have a little fun; it'll release some of this tension; if you know what I mean."

"I know exactly what you mean; believe me," she said flirting with him.

"Stop that," he said with a grin then they turned the corner.

"Good morning, everyone. I finally convinced Iris to come back to work," Barry said.

"Good morning, you two," Caitlin said, smiling at how cute they looked.

"Good morning," Cisco said. He watched them both closely. "Barry, I just wanted to say that Caitlin and I understand why you didn't want to come back here right away. But we're glad you're back."

"Thanks, guys, I appreciate it." He glanced at Iris; she pretended to be busy.

Caitlin picked up on their vibe. "Iris was here the other day, Barry."

"I know that, but she wasn't sure about today, so I guess I can have some influence over her, even though she hasn't forgiven me for leaving," he said with a sad smile, then, "Have you?"

"No, I haven't," Iris stiffly replied, staring at the computer.

"Aren't you guys speaking to each other?" Caitlin asked curiously.

"No," Iris replied.

"Yes," Barry replied.

Cisco and Caitlin chuckled. "So which is it?" Cisco asked.

Before they could answer that, Wally walked in but he wasn't wearing his suit. It was hanging in the viewing area next to Barry's suit.

"Hey, Wally," Iris greeted her brother.

"Hey, Iris," Wally said and walked over to Barry. "So you're back." It wasn't a question.

"Yeah, I'm back, but," he replied and glanced at the team. "You're a speedster." It was a statement.

"Didn't Iris tell you about me?" He looked between them. "Aren't you guys speaking to each other, I mean, after what Dad told me?" He started, worried they weren't getting along.

"Everything is fine, Wally, it's just, Barry and I aren't quite there yet, at least for now," Iris replied not looking at him.

"Oh, I see; I'm sorry to hear that," Wally said sincerely.

"Don't worry about it," Barry said. "Iris and I will work this out."

Suddenly, there was an alert. "It's the same guy, Wally," Caitlin said. "Maybe we can catch him this time."

"I'm on it," Wally said, familiar with this meta-human. He streaked and was in his suit in seconds.

"Wow," Barry said, impressed. Then Wally was gone, but it didn't stop Barry from worrying about him. "Which meta-human is this?"

"He's new, not one of Zoom's followers. He's unstoppable, pretty invincible, actually," Cisco replied, then he went on explain. "He reminds me of Weather Wizard, but far worse. Instead of changing the weather, if he touches someone, it creates some type of magnetic friction in the body and of course, the pressure immediately kills you."

Shocked and dismayed at this new meta-human, he asked, "But is Wally going to be alright? Maybe I should help him?" Barry wanted to see him in action again and give him some pointers if needed.

Everyone glanced at each other. "Wally is a bit territorial." Iris couldn't look at him.

He frowned, not liking that at all. "Look guys, Wally and I need to work together. Two speedsters in the same universe can work but we have to at least help each other," Barry said.

"You're right," Cisco said. He radioed Wally. "Barry is on his way."

"I don't need him," Wally said; everyone heard him.

"Wally, now, don't be stubborn," Iris said. "Go on, Barry."

He changed and was gone in seconds.

~o~o~

On the other side of town:

"I told you I don't need you." Wally was still mad at Barry; hurting his sister the way that he did and he wasn't ready to forgive and forget.

"Come on, Wally, this guy is dangerous and we can do this, just let me help you."

His jaw clenched. "Alright, but stay out of my way," he said.

"Only if you need me," Barry said and followed him.

Wally then explained to him all he knew about the meta-human. "This guy is on his own, as far as I know. He just wants to kill people by touching them. Once he touches someone, they either stop breathing or collapse, and minutes later, they're gone; dead."

"Wow, Cisco explained about this guy. I wonder where he's been hiding; I've never heard of this one. I don't think he's in Iris's meta-human files either," Barry commented. "Are you sure this is the same guy; he looks … normal?"

"That's just it; he is normal on the outside; nothing that would stand out," Wally replied. "I've been thinking about this guy for a while now and considering how powerful he is; it's possible that he may have come forward since you disappeared," Wally said shocking him.

"What are you saying; that this is my fault?" Barry asked stunned to even think it. Was it possible he altered this timeline with more powerful meta-humans? He wondered.

"It's just a theory but the team suggested it a few months ago," Wally replied.

"Oh, I see." Barry didn't know what to think, then he changed the subject. "So what's your plan?"

"Well, I'm not sure yet," Wally replied not looking at him.

"I think we can both distract him with our speed. He won't know what to do, and then after speeding around him a few times, he will lose his equilibrium and collapse. We're both wearing gloves, so it shouldn't be a problem."

"I tried that a few days ago but it didn't work," Wally said.

"Did you try electric currents; it's possible that this power he has is connected to it and if we overload him, so to speak, it may help to deliberate him?"

Wally turned to him liking his plan. "It may just work." He paused. "We'll try it your way." He paused again. "Thanks, Barry."

"Great, now, you go first and distract him. He knows you so he may keep still long enough to get the job done."

Wally did as he said but something went wrong. The meta-human was not in the mood for speedsters. He lunged for Wally, but Barry stopped him with his electric currents. Both speedsters got the upper hand and it worked in a matter of minutes. The police were called and he was taken away, with the patrol officers wearing protective garments.

Once captured, Joe walked over to the pair. "Well, this is unexpected." Joe watched Barry squirm. "I'm surprised you haven't come over to the house, Barry."

"Iris and Barry aren't speaking because of the way he left us," Wally said.

"I see, well, give it time and she'll come around," Joe said, sure of it.

"I hope so," Barry said. "Joe, I just couldn't face her. I know I hurt everyone, but I want to make it up to you and everyone else, but I'm not sure how to do that."

"Well, an apology is a good start; it certainly wouldn't hurt, you know," Joe said and tried not to smile.

"I'm sorry, Joe," Barry said and held out his hand.

"None of that," Joe said and hugged him. "Welcome home, Barry."

"Thanks, Joe." He glanced at Wally. "I'm sorry, Wally. It must have been difficult to realize that you have these gifts and I'm sorry I wasn't there to guide you; to help you."

Wally felt uncomfortable. "I'm glad you're back."

Barry was extremely relieved. "Thanks, Wally."

~o~o~

Later that night, at the hotel in Coast City:

Iris told her family that she had to work late putting together a story about the Flash's return, and wouldn't be home until very late. After checking in, she waited for Barry to arrive. Thinking back over the past several days, it was time to reveal the truth, that they had reconciled. She didn't mind pretending that they weren't together; it was fun at first keeping it a secret, but she really did want to shout it to the world that Barry was hers and hers alone.

In bed waiting for him, Iris's mind came back to the present, as she opened her eyes and realized Barry was standing at the foot of the bed staring at her with a very serious look on his face. She sat up and pushed her hair out of eyes.

"I must have drifted off." He just stood there staring at her. "What are you doing?"

"Just admiring the view," he happily replied then he came to sit beside her.

She pulled the blanket up to the chest. "Nothing you haven't seen before."

"I know, but." He stopped as he stroked her hair.

"But what?" Iris asked and realized Barry was in a strange mood.

He sighed as he pulled her close. "This feels so normal, but … it's not."

"Yeah, well, we are in a hotel, not at home." She hugged him close. "But I know what you mean; it almost feels … surreal."

"Everything is different now, but I hope you know I'm not taking anything for granted. I want this to work more than anything," he said as he kissed her forehead.

"So do I Barry." Iris stared at him trying to read him. "Bear, what brought on this mood?"

Barry thought about it for a moment. "I know we're taking this one day at a time, pretending that we're not really together, but I do want everyone to know … but these past few days, I'll never forget any of it."

Iris smiled then realizing she felt the same way. "Neither will I," she said. "But I understand; our relationship is new, sort of, and we're adjusting."

"That's a big part of it, yes, but I know we have a long way to go."

"I still can't believe it, we're actually a couple," she said and leaned into him loving his arms around her.

"I could pinch you, if you'd like?" He kissed her forehead.

Smiling, she held him even closer but then she sobered suddenly, realizing it would be hard for him to hear this, but she wanted him to know. "Bear, while I was waiting for you, at first I had forgotten where you could be, but then I remembered where you were, out into world helping people, my heart slowed down and then I realized that none of it was a dream; that you had come back … to me." Her eyes watered.

"Iris?" Barry wasn't truly surprised; he needed to repair her faith in him.

"I know it was silly, but then I opened my eyes and you were standing there and I realized something." She touched his cheek. "Everything I've always wanted for such a long time; I finally have it."

He stroked her hair. "It wasn't silly at all; I'm here now," he whispered and then he pulled her closer and kissed her ever so sweetly. It brought tears to her eyes, how sweet and tender Barry could be.

Then, the blanket fell away, as Iris helped him remove his clothes slowly, kissing and stroking him as she admired his body, his long arms and strong chest. She couldn't believe sometimes how handsome he is, and he really had no idea how gorgeous he is, but he's mine, all mine.

Barry couldn't help but notice how strangely she was looking at him and decided to tease her a little. "You like what you see?"

In answer to him, her lips travelled south and just before she took him into her mouth, she replied, "I intend to prove to you just how much I missed you and needed you."

Barry was so turned on by her words, that he moaned loudly, closed his eyes and waited. She smiled at his expression, then she touched her lips and tongue to the tip of his erection and it twitched against her lips, as she became bolder stroking him with her tongue and hand. He moaned again louder this time and moved his hips in time with her hand. He was in heaven; drowning in sensations, but it didn't take long before he was fast approaching the edge and he wanted to be inside of her before that happened.

He stilled her hand, pulled her up and kissed her passionately thrusting his tongue inside her mouth. Iris couldn't think about anything, Barry was in control of her body and she wanted him to do whatever he wanted with her.

Barry was living his sweetest dreams and fantasies, as he entered her with a smooth glide and clutched her tighter against him, pushing and thrusting inside. She lifted her legs and arms pulling him closer, as she began to move restlessly beneath him and Barry set a pace, stroking in and out of her lush body with full, deep strokes. He cradled her head in his hands and kissed her deeply, his tongue moving in time with his movements inside her.

He suddenly pulled out; Iris whimpered. Slipping to the foot of the bed, he pulled her buttocks to his waiting erection. "How's this?" He whispered and then he was inside of her.

Iris cried out, "Oh yes, that's it!" She moaned loudly over and over.

The pumping and stroking continued in earnest and yes, vibrations happened too. Iris was on fire as she moved with him back and forth and it felt incredible. All too soon, he felt her walls grip him, heard her cry his name as she shouted her pleasure and his orgasm rushed to meet him, and then he collapsed on top of her utterly exhausted and completely satisfied.

Iris blinked to clear the spots before her eyes, now realizing she had no idea how much she had been missing all these years. Now beside her, he smiled at her. Her Bear was so full of surprises, as she smiled, reached up to smooth his hair away from his forehead.

"I love you, Iris," he whispered and pulled her into his arms holding her tight.

"I love you too, Barry," she whispered snuggling against his chest.

~o~o~

It was now after midnight. "Iris, it's time to go home."

She slowly opened her eyes. "Do we have to?" She whined just a little.

"Well, if we stay here all night, Joe will put two plus two together."

"Let him think that; I don't mind; do you?"

"No, I don't, not really," he replied. He snuggled closer and pulled the blankets over them.

Soon, they both fell asleep.

The next morning, and back home again, Iris was standing at the front door, with Barry beside her. "Here goes."

She opened the door and Wally and Joe were in the living room watching the morning news. She took Barry's hand, her meaning clear.

Joe and Wally glanced at each other. "So, how long?" Joe asked.

Iris spoke up. "Since that first day he came back," Iris replied firmly.

"Joe, we just couldn't hold back our feelings and Iris forgave me, which I wasn't expecting, but we love each other very much." Barry stared at her lovely face. She squeezed his hand.

Wally didn't say anything. He then turned the channel and there they were; he and Barry, on the news as they captured the meta-human together.

Joe glanced at his Son, and he wasn't surprised he would be upset with Barry. He was too for a long time, but now it's over.

He stood up and came over to them. "You know how I feel, Iris, and Barry, if you ever hurt her that way again, I may have a few words for you."

"Dad, now, Barry needed this time for himself and I understand completely," Iris said.

"Do you really?" That was Wally coming forward. "He broke your heart, Iris. Dad and I watched you go through it and it hurt to see you like that."

She looked down at their joined hands. "All of that is in the past." She paused. "I love him, Okay, and I forgave him and if either of you can't accept my feelings, then I don't know what to say."

"Iris, they have a right to be mad and I promise you both that I won't ever leave her again; I promise," Barry said it again hoping to reassure them.

Wally and Joe glanced at each other. "Come in and sit down for a minute." Joe sat down, Iris and Barry sat down, still holding hands, and Wally sat opposite them.

"I'll answer any questions you may have, but know this, while I was away, Iris was on my mind every day, every minute. I regret what I did knowing that I had hurt her." He took a deep breath then continued. "My parents were pretty shocked to see me all grown up, but that was exactly the problem. They didn't truly know me and I, to be honest, didn't know them, not the way I wanted. I had grown up and I realized that I would always love them, but I belong here with Iris, and with people who know me and need me." He squeezed her hand, raised it to his lips and kissed it softly.

"Was it another universe, like Earth 2?" Joe asked.

"Yes, it was. You were there as was Iris. I didn't see you, Wally."

"That's fascinating," Joe commented.

"It truly was. You helped me come home."

"He did?" That was Iris.

"Yes he did," Barry replied.

"So, if I wasn't there, were there any speedsters there or did you have your powers?" Wally asked.

He looked down at his shoes. "Go ahead," Iris prompted him.

"No, I didn't have my powers. And Iris was involved with another speedster who looked like me," he finally replied.

"Really?" Wally asked and chuckled.

"It wasn't funny to me. When I realized that I had no chance with her, that's when I decided that I had to get back to 'my Iris,'" he said and smiled at her.

"I'm so glad you did," Iris said and then leaned in and kissed him. He kissed her back but only for a moment.

Joe cleared his throat. "I'm glad too."

"Me too," Wally reluctantly admitted.

"Thanks, guys; I appreciate it," Barry said.

Barry and Iris glanced at each other. He leaned back on the sofa and Iris went with him. She snuggled under his chin. They lay that way for a minute or two as if they were the only two people in the world; their world.

"Time to go to work," Joe said and left them alone. "Wally?"

"Oh, sure, work," he said.

Once they were gone, Barry pulled her close. "That didn't turn out too bad."

"Yeah, it didn't," Iris said, just a little surprised.

"I love you, Ms. West."

"I love you, Mr. Allen."

They both chuckled, content to be together; finally, together.

TBC!

~o~o~

Song Inspiration: We're Almost There, Alicia Keys.

A/N: While writing this prompt, I couldn't help but think of S1 of the Flash. Iris not realizing that she had feelings for Barry was hard for everyone to accept, me included, but when you think of what she said to him 'I wasn't available,' then it all made sense; to me, anyway. *wave goodbye to E1* On to the next prompt and we're back on E2. Thanks for reading!