A/N: Surprise! Okay first off, I really really want to apologise for how long it has taken me to write this epilogue! I've been really busy in the last few months with exams, projects, moving to another city, starting a new internship... But also, I was struck by the biggest writer's block I've ever had... I couldn't write a single word even though I knew what I wanted to put in this chapter... So I'm sorry it took me so long, but it's finally here :D I hope it's not too bad and you still enjoy it!

I love this story and I'm sad to say goodbye but it was time for it to end, those two deserve to have their happy lives :) Thank you all for sticking with me until here, it means the world to me!

Okay, I'm done talking, here it is!

I don't own anything, not the show, not the characters, not the song, just my imagination :)

Epilogue. Up

"I'll do what it takes to make this fly, oh
You gotta hold on
Hold on to what you're feeling
That feeling is the best thing
The best thing, alright
I'm gonna place my bet on us
I know this love is heading in the same direction
That's up"

"Up – Olly Murs and Demi Lovato"

[10 Years Later]

"Come on, Matt, grab your bag."

The little boy's round eyes flew up to look at his mother and instantly made a dash towards the luggage carousel, almost climbing on it to grab his little red suitcase.

"Be careful honey, there's no fire." His mother chuckled, keeping an eye on him, making sure he wasn't in any dangerous position.

Carefully, the little boy pulled his bag from the carousel, a proud grin beaming on his boyish face, before walking back to his mother, snaking an arm around her leg to keep her close as soon as he reached her. She looked down and felt her heart soar at the sight of his tiny hand clutching at his bag. That little boy meant the world to her and no words could actually describe how much she loved him.

Another small hand pulled at her jacket, calling for her attention. She turned to the other side to see her daughter pointing at a few bags coming their way. She instantly understood the silent message.

"Mathew, stay here with your sister, I'll be right back." She informed her children before swiftly making her way towards the carousel and picking up both suitcases. She put the bags on the cart she had taken and pushed it back to where the two kids were patiently waiting for her, hand in hand, eyes aware of movements around them. A string pulled at her heart as memories of her brother and herself as little kids suddenly flooding her mind. She dearly hoped her children would keep the strong link between them, a link she had unfortunately put aside for a few years where her brother was concerned. A soft smile drew itself slowly as she reminded herself she would see him soon again.

"When are we going to see daddy?" The 6-year-old girl asked her mother, pulling her out of her daydreaming.

Caitlin smiled down to Nora. Her first pregnancy had been a total surprise – well not completely, because it wasn't like she had been a nun or anything during that time, far from it – but it hadn't been planned. Sure they had talked about having kids and building a family, but they hadn't even begun to try when it happened. She hadn't known how much she actually wanted a child until she had realised she was pregnant.

"He's probably waiting outside those sliding doors, honey. We'll see him soon." Caitlin replied in a soothing and very motherly-tone.

Nora jumped from excitement. "Cool!"

Caitlin grabbed her son's hand while her daughter took hold of the luggage cart and the small family made their way towards the exit, going to the airport main hall where everyone was waiting for their loved ones. She slowed down her pace as she saw the crowd waiting outside the gates, trying to find her husband in the middle of all these people while still keeping an attentive eye on both her children.

Mathew – though he was the smallest – was the first one to see his father. Without thinking twice about it, he pulled his hand away from his mother's grip and ran towards him, snaking in and out between the peoples' legs. Caitlin instantly called after her son but to no avail, the little boy was way too excited to see his father again. She let out a breath of relief when she saw both of them together, Mathew safe in Barry's arms.

Rolling her eyes at her son's antics, Caitlin resumed pushing the cart towards the two of them, Nora still walking next to her. As they were almost there, Nora looked up at her mother, her eyes silently asking for permission. Caitlin just chuckled and nodded softly. The little girl didn't wait a second more to close the few steps between her and her father, running towards him and hugging his legs as his arms were already busy with her brother.

Caitlin stopped as she joined them, watching lovingly her husband being reunited with his children. From the outside, the way they were clutching at each other could make people think that the little family hadn't seen each other in years. But it had only been a few days. Not even a full week.

It had felt like eternity to Caitlin.

Barry met his wife's loving gaze, looking back at her as if he had read her mind, and decided to put his son down to greet her. Both kids took a step back as Barry opened his arms and Caitlin dived in, burying her face into the crook of his neck, her arms snaking around his waist.

"I've missed you." He whispered in her hair.

She just chuckled because she knew how ridiculous they were. But they couldn't help it. A few days apart were a few days too much. Barry pulled away and swiftly pecked her lips before taking the cart from her and pushing it towards the exit. "Come on, let's go to the car, your uncle is waiting for you two little monsters." And he playfully ruffled Matt's hair as they walked together.

On their way, they crossed paths with the "Welcome back in Ryker Neve" sign and Caitlin nodded to it, as if greeting an old friend. A couple of minutes later, they were met by the warm breeze of North Carolina and they found her brother waiting for them, leaning back against the car in a similar way he had waited for Caitlin about ten years ago and each time she had come after that.

It felt good to be back.

That same evening, they all ended up at the Snow household – Barry's dad included – where Evelyn had prepared a wonderful meal. It had become a tradition to invite everyone over whenever Caitlin and Barry were back for a few days. Over the years, the table had grown, adding Nora and Matt but also Charlie's family – a wife and a little boy. Those evenings were always full of laughter and good mood.

"Gon O plose go ploy?"

Caitlin chuckled. "Matt, honey, please don't talk with your mouth full."

A slight blush appeared on the little boys cheek before he swallowed. Clearing his throat, he repeated more clearly, "Can I please go play?"

"Of course sweetie." She smiled while grabbing a napkin to clean up the corner of his mouth where a leftover of tomato sauce was rolling down.

And with a small squeal, Matt jumped off his chair and ran towards the living room.

"That little boy grows up way too fast." Evelyn sighed as she watched him go.

"He does…" Caitlin agreed in a whisper, her heart squeezing at the thought of her baby boy growing up. But then her husband's new discussion stole her attention.

"So how's the practice going, dad?" Barry asked.

"Oh you know, good as it always has. Though my bones are getting a bit old for it. I'll have to think about what to do with it soon." With that, Henry sent a conspicuous look to Caitlin that made Barry frown for half a second before turning his attention back to his dad.

"Well I'm glad to hear you still enjoy your job." Barry commented before taking a sip of whine.

Henry smiled wistfully. "Oh son, I've always loved it, almost as much as you and your mom."

Barry stayed silent for a couple of seconds, a soft frown creating a crease between his eyebrows. "Even if I left you here alone?"

Henry turned serious again and Caitlin felt a chill run up her spine. This was a tender subject that had always lain under Barry's constant cheer. He didn't like to talk about it, because he didn't like people questioning his choice to move to Central City for Caitlin. He didn't regret it, he never would. But he was still concerned for his dad.

"Son, we've talked about this." Henry sighed, a soothing smile on his lips. "We did before you left, but also many times after. You had my blessing from the first day you introduced Caitlin to your mom and me! Letting you go is the best thing I ever did, because it gave me this wonderful family and this happiness I never thought I would have after your mom passed away! You created an amazing life for yourself, and I couldn't be prouder, slugger."

"Thank you dad." Barry's voice was engorged with emotions that seemed to clog his throat, while tears threatened to escape the confines of his green eyes.

Longingly, Caitlin rubbed her hand on his back, meeting his eyes as he glanced back at her, her heart swelling as an immediate response.

She loved him so much.

Later that night, after saying goodbye to her brother and his family, Caitlin found herself snuggled under covers on the swinging bench on her mother's porch. She remembered doing this quite often as a teenager, trying to hide from her parents. She would just sit there, gaze at the stars - may they be numerous or not - and just think about stuff.

She had done so many things in her life while sitting on that bench right there: laughing, reading, studying, crying, sharing secrets with her brother, asking advices to her mother, talking science with her father… And now she was there thinking about her life, what she had gone through, what she had now and what she wished for her future. She felt at peace with everything and she had never thought she would reach that point in her life. It was liberating.

Her mind wandering was cut off by a soothing and well-known voice.

"There you are."

Caitlin looked up to see Barry smiling down at her from the doorway and she beamed back. Quietly, he made his way towards her and sat on the swinging bench right next to her, draping an arm around her shoulders. Caitlin automatically snuggled closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder, laying her legs sideways on his lap while extending her cover to him.

They sat there without saying a word, enjoying the peace and quiet of a late spring evening.

"Are the little monsters finally sleeping?" She asked after a short moment of silence.

His whole frame vibrated as a chuckle shook his body. "Not exactly." Barry informed her, his free hand now resting on her thigh, his fingers drawing random patterns on it. "I let Evelyn and dad deal with them."

Caitlin let out a tired giggle. "Smooth, Allen. Very smooth." She teased.

Her children had been wired up the whole day and she perfectly knew how difficult it would be to put them down for the night. They were both so excited to be here for the holidays that nothing could actually calm them down. She was almost sympathizing with her mother and Barry's father that were currently dealing with their grandchildren.

Almost.

Because it meant that she could enjoy her time with Barry right now.

"Well, it's not my fault they insisted they could handle it." Barry shrugged innocently.

Caitlin rolled her eyes and snuggled closer to him. And just like that, she felt like she was a teenager again, having a quiet evening with her new adorable boyfriend, her heart fluttering every time he made a move, every time his thumb grazed her thigh, every time his breath caressed her hair… She felt oh so in love and happy. And with that, she let the soft and soothing sound of his heart beating against his chest lulling her to sleep.

Barry suddenly broke the comfortable silence, almost jolting her awake.

"I want another one." He whispered.

Caitlin frowned, not understanding what he was talking about. "What?" She croaked, her voice already thick with sleep.

Barry pulled her closer to his body even though they couldn't really get any closer than that at the moment. "I want another one." He repeated, his voice more sure and determined than before.

Caitlin shifted her head on his shoulder so that she could look up at her husband. "Wh… What… What are you talking about?"

Without a word, Barry gave her an intense look and she instantly understood.

Her breath got caught in her throat.

"You… you mean… a… a kid?" She stuttered.

It made him smile because seeing Dr Caitlin Snow stutter was something pretty rare these days. She was such a confident woman that he felt kind of proud to be the reason she was nervous.

"Yeah." Barry simply nodded, his eyes never leaving hers.

How was it possible that he was still able to steal her breath away like that? Shouldn't she be used to it by now?

Her heart was galloping in her chest and she could already see him with another baby in his arms, cherishing him like if it was the best thing happening to him – which probably was if you asked him.

Without answering, Caitlin pushed herself up and crushed her lips against his, wishing she could transfer to him everything she was feeling right at this moment. And the way he grabbed her face and responded probably meant he knew.

After a few heated kisses, she pulled away to catch her breath while her fingers softly ran along his jaw. Cheekily, eyebrows bouncing on her forehead, she answered. "I think I can wrap my mind around having another one."

The kind smile she gave him made his heart miss a beat in his chest, like the first time she had ever smiled to him. "Cool." He breathed out and she had to chuckle in response.

Yes, life was good.

And with that, Caitlin laid he head back down on his chest and Barry wrapped his arms around her a little bit tighter than before. But this time Caitlin didn't seem sleepy at all. Many thoughts seemed to tumble together in her brain and begged to be set free. And what better moment than right now, just after Barry sharing his with her?

"Barry?" She murmured.

She wasn't expecting the tired reply he gave her. "Hum?"

One eyebrow raised, Caitlin pulled away from him to take a better look at her husband. While sleep was the last thing on her mind right now, it didn't seem to apply to him. Head laid back, eyes closed, smile hovering over his lips, Barry didn't seemed far from falling asleep.

Softly, Caitlin shook him and his eyes shot open in worry. "You okay?" He instantly asked and her lips curled up to soothe him.

"Yes yes, it's just…" she paused with a frowned, looking away for a beat or two, before meeting his eyes again. "I've been… I've been thinking…"

It was Barry's turn to frown. "Okay… about what? Because I know you; that brilliant brain of yours never stops thinking."

"Oh shush!" With an eye roll, she swatted him on the chest with the back of her hand. "I've been thinking of Ryker Neve, and your dad, and… and us."

Barry's eyes went round in fake disbelief. "Wh-what about us? Are you breaking up with me? We just agreed we'd try to have another child and you're here speaking about…"

Caitlin sat back and crossed her arms on her chest, a serious eyebrow arching above her right eye. "Would you just shut up for a second?"

Barry dramatically gasped. "Language Dr Snow Allen!"

She glared at her husband who just innocently grinned back and her glare instantly morphed into a lovingly roll of eyes.

Her arms dropped from her chest and she stared at her hands, her fingers playing with her wedding ring. "No I was thinking about moving back here…" She paused for a second and then rapidly continued, too afraid she wouldn't be able to say everything she wanted to if she didn't get it out soon. "I mean we had a pretty nice childhood here so the kids would be happy. Evelyn and Henry would be more than delighted to have their grandchildren a few minutes away. And I know how much you want to be present for your dad and I'd like to be there for my mom."

Barry silently listen to her, carefully looking at her while taking all the information she was giving him. She glanced up at him, nervously waiting for him to say something… anything.

"What about us?" He finally asked seriously.

That wasn't the answer she had been expecting. "What do you mean?"

"Well, what would we do for a living?" Barry explained himself.

The doctor nodded. "Well I talked to Iris who spoke with Eddie… and there is an opening as a forensic expert here in Ryker Neve."

His eyebrows flew up to the sky, as he understood what her answer actually meant. "Oh so you already did your research on this. How long have you been thinking about this?"

Caitlin blushed and her eyes fled to the garden, kind of embarrassed with what her answer would be. With a careful finger on her chin, Barry brought her stare back to him and she drowned into his green sea.

"For a few weeks now…" She whispered.

Even more surprised, he crease appeared between his eyebrows. "A few weeks? How is this first time I've heard of that?"

She slightly shrugged at that. "I don't know… I think I was scared of what you'd say…"

Now he was beginning to worry. "You should know by now not to be scared of that. When have I ever dismissed what you had to say?"

"Never! It's just that I… I didn't know what you'd think about it." She looked back down to their now linked hands.

"Well I think it's a great idea."

Her eyes flew up again, genuine surprise present. "Really?"

"Yes, of course." Barry chuckled at her cuteness. "You know how much I love it here and how I want to help my dad out. But you and the kids come first, that's why I never really brought it up."

"But it would be great for the kids and us. I've thought about this."

His right hand came up to cut her cheek before bringing her closer for a soft kiss. "Of course. We will work this out."

Leaning her forehead against his, she whispered a "thank you" against his lips.

"You really don't need to thank me sweetie. You're basically offering me something I would love on a golden plate."

They stayed silent for a moment, enjoying the presence of the other. It was Barry that spoke again first. "But what about you?"

Lost in the moment, Caitlin had also lost the track of their conversation. "Huh?"

He laughed softly before explaining himself. "What would you do here if we were to move back? You love your job in Central City; you love how it challenges you every day, how you keep expending your knowledge on a daily basis. What would you do here?"

She smiled at that. He knew her so well… "Barry, all my life I've put my job first, the thrill of science and my work addiction always came first. I know it can be heavy and that sometimes you'd wish I would let go a little."

Barry pulled away and shook his head. "I don't…"

But Caitlin stopped him before he could continue further. "There's no need to lie about it, honey, it's okay. I always tried to find a good balance between work and my children, and I think I managed quite all right. But I didn't always have time for you."

They weren't perfect, nobody ever is. They had their problems, their fights and disagreements. But it never made them less of a great couple. Their main strength had always been to share things with each other and always consider the other's point of view during disagreements. And making compromises for the other.

"That's okay." He whispered.

She raised a hand to lovingly play with the hair at the back of his head. "Let me finish. I know you would never be mad at me because I live my job fully. You always say it's one of the main things you love about me – my passion for science as you say. But I want to change… I need the change. It doesn't mean I'll stop being passionate about what I do; it'll just be different. To be honest, coming here sounds like heaven to me."

Barry beamed at her like the sun at midday in the middle of July and his heart swelled. "But what would you do here?"

"Well…" She trailed off as a cute smile appeared on her lips. "Your dad has been thinking about leaving his practice, right? And as I'm a M.D. I've been talking with him about taking over his medical practice… If that's okay with you."

A genuine squeak escaped Barry's lips. "Cait! That would be amazing!" He felt as giddy as a kid on Christmas Eve. "He's been complaining how he doesn't want to give it away to a complete stranger that won't take care of his patients!"

Caitlin rolled her eyes but it didn't diminish her smile. "Most doctors do take care of patients, you know? They do take an oath."

Barry waved her comment away with a hand movement. "Yes but if you take over, it would be more special, and like it stays in the family!" He suddenly remembered the secret look his wife and dad had shared during dinner. "Wait was this what it was all about when we talked about this earlier? That secret look?"

Caitlin shyly nodded and he squeaked. "Cait, this is a brilliant idea! When do we move?"

She burst out laughing, adoring the excitement pouring out of her husband right now. "Okay, slow down, Mr Allen! We still have to work everything out, wait until the end of the school year for the kids, we need to ask them what they think about it because we're not alone here... We have to think everything through and to…"

Barry instantly shushed her with a simple but intense kiss, interrupting her explanation. When he pulled away, Caitlin was out of breath and she looked at him in wonder, as if it were the first time she ever laid eyes on him.

"But soon, right?" He was so freaking happy.

She simply nodded, her smile full of love, her hand on his cheek.

"Yes, soon. We'll come back home soon, honey."

Fin.

A/N: So this is it, hope you enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it and sharing it with you guys! I don't know when I'll be back... I've got a couple of ideas, though I don't know when I'll manage to get completely rid of this writer's block (what's happening on the show right isn't really helping me to be honest...). I'll try to keep writing though :)

Anyway, I'll forever cherish your support and enthusiasm, you guys are the best!

Lot's of love,

Destiana Xx