A/N: I really shouldn't have written this with finals coming up this week. But I asked myself... why not? You guys are great! and each review/ follow/ favorite and even read means a lot to me! Thank you! I'm hoping to get more chapters out after finals!

I own nothing of the Flash or Arrow.

As always, let me know what you think!

Enjoy :)

Chapter 20

Later that night both Barry and Caitlin had made it to Verdant to meet up with their friends.

"Lissy!" Caitlin squealed running towards the bar where she saw her group of Star City friends.

"Caity!" Felicity gave her a quick hug. Barry followed behind her, giving Felicity her own hug when she let go of her and turned to the other blonde at the bar. Barry, although only meeting her once, remembered her to be Laurel.

"Laurel! Tommy!" She greeted the other blonde with a wide smile, "don't tell me you will be back there all night, Tommy."

The dark-haired man behind the bar laughed when she let Laurel go reaching for him. He slipped back to the other side of the bar drinks in hand. Luckily, he was able to set them down before she gave him a strong hug.

"Missed me, Caity?" He laughed squeezing her gently.

Felicity nudged Barry with her elbow before introducing him to Tommy, Laurel's Tommy.

Caitlin had reached over and taken Barry's hand in hers. It was always a natural thing for them. Hand in hand the two ordered their drinks and put it on the house, a perk Caitlin took full advantage of with knowing the owners. Even if Tommy joked that Caitlin wasn't allowed to anymore.

"To Caity returning to Star City night life!" Tommy held up his shot with one hand while his other was wrapped around Laurel's waist.

Everyone lifted their shots. "How about welcoming Barry to Star City instead?" Caitlin laughed.

"To Barry then!" Everyone repeated.

"So, where's Ollie?" Caitlin asked Felicity.

"He should be around here somewhere. I'll text him..." Just as she pulled out her phone to text him, her phone went off. Along with Laurel's and Tommy's as well.

Barry always thought it was strange their phones went off at the same time.

"Oh, frak! That's him. He has– there is– uh– work problem. Yeah. Queen Consolidated… always a buzz kill. I'll head over there now and be back in a flash. Well as fast as I can. Which shouldn't be long, except you know, heels and stuff… heh… I gotta go." Felicity rambled for bit before pointing towards the exit. "Enjoy yourself."

She nodded and briskly headed for the door.

"Don't worry about her, she's been acting weird lately anyway." Tommy shrugged pulling the attention of the two Central City residents.

"Well weirder than normal Felicity." Laurel added with a giggle.

Caitlin joined in before asking how Laurel and Tommy have been doing and what was new in their life.

Tommy was successful in his mission of distracting the couple. Neither of them saw Felicity veer away from the exit and headed deeper into the club.

Tommy took Caitlin's hand and pulled her onto a more vacant area of the dance floor as he twirled her and danced with her. Watching her laugh and giggle like she didn't have a million things on her mind like usual always made Barry smile.

Barry leaned up against the table watching Tommy twirl Caitlin around and around before dipping her with a laugh. He finished his beer before placing it back on the table coaster, which Barry thought was odd. More of a Laurel thing he assumed, but realized early on it was actually Tommy that had a problem with bottles on the glass tables.

"You haven't been able to take your eyes off her the entire time she been dancing with him." Laurel's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

He looked towards the blonde. She was leaning on her fist, a teasing grin spread wide across her face. "You don't have to worry about Tommy. If that's the case. He's taken." She said lifting her right hand and showing him the simple but beautiful ringer on her middle finger.

"Promise ring. How long?" Barry identified right away, having looked into a promise ring for him and Iris long ago when they were going strong but decided against it in the end. A good thing he supposed.

"Nearly six years. High school sweet hearts, and still going strong." She said with a proud smile, perfect teeth showing with pride.

"And you aren't married yet?" Barry asked surprised.

"My parents are divorced and Tommy's father lives a… difficult life since his wife passed years ago. We decided to wait." She glanced briefly at the dancing duo briefly before turning back to Barry. "It's not much different from you and Caity."

"What do you mean?" Barry asked his eyes falling back to the blonde at the table with him.

"She used to tell us stories of you two." Laurel smiled and nodded, "Oh, yeah. She used to get this glint in her eye and her fingers twiddled the bracelet on her wrist. She would tilt her head unintentionally as she spoke of how close you guys were and how she was so determined to marry you." She let out a soft laugh, "Sometimes the girls would have sleepovers and we would talk about our perfect wedding. We all had these elaborate ideas: horse and carriage entrance, a flower arch (Felicity's idea, and she got it in the end, much to Moira's displeasure), ice sculptures of my favorite animal and the list went on and on. But Caitlin, hers was always so simple. She just said she wanted her best friend there." Laurel reached out and squeezed Barry's hand, "We all knew what she meant by that. Even if it got harder and harder for her to mention it the more time that passed. She really loved you, even back them. Yet you guys are still waiting… I think you understand why Tommy and I are."

Barry was surprised by how tender Laurel can be. Caitlin described her as a big sister figure which made sense with how wild Sara is in comparison to her level headed older sister.

"I was going to ask her to make it official but she got a little preoccupied planning the trip here to Star City."

"Mhmm. Caity does that. But she worries about everything. She needs someone that can force her to relax and breathe once in a while."

"I know." He nodded, "Thank you, Laurel. For telling me all that."

She smiled at him giving him a one-armed hug, "You are a part of our family now, Barry. Our crazy, messed up, dysfunctional family. You need to get used to it."

He laughed loudly as she announced that that she was going to get them another round and turned around to head towards the bar.

Barry asked her quickly the direction of the restroom was before she left and she pointed towards one of the back hallways. He nodded a thank you before leaving the table.

Barry had made his way to the restroom. Through the crowd he saw a flash of familiar blonde. Felicity? But I thought she left to help Oliver at Queen Consolidated? Felicity snuck her way over to Laurel tapped her shoulder and she nodded in turn. Laurel made her way back towards the table Caitlin was waiting at with Tommy. Felicity made her way towards the back of Verdant and entered what looked like a part of the wall but opened like a door. She snuck through after looking to see if anyone noticed.

Barry was curious. He didn't really know the Queen family that well but Caitlin did. And something didn't fit right with him. Restroom forgotten. He made his way towards the wall where Felicity had disappeared behind.

Tapping on the wall in different spots until he heard a hollow sound. Pushing on the wall it gave way to a staircase. Closing the door behind him he followed the stairs. Step after step, Barry began to get a little worried. He knew something was up and he had just gotten himself into something that he probably shouldn't have.

He followed the hallway until he heard Felicity's voice.

"Oliver, give me a minute! I may type fast but even I can't do that in one second!" She furiously typed at a keyboard.

Barry looked around, admiring the large space underneath the night club. Barry stumbled into a bunch of exercise equipment while his eyes were observing the area. Clang! All the equipment fell to the floor.

Barry looked up just as Felicity jumping in success. "Yes!"

She looked up at the noise, "Oh, frak."

"Hey, Felicity." Barry waved awkwardly.

She waved back just as awkward before tapping a button on the device by her ear. "Uh, Oliver, we might have a small situation. So, you might want to hurry up with that and get back here!"

A grunt was heard and then a groan before Oliver's voice resounded through the room. "I'm on my way." His voice was gruff and way deeper than Barry had ever heard it before.

"Barry, listen… Caitlin cannot know about this. I don't want her involved. I don't want her getting hurt." Oliver told him after he arrived into the room decked out in his green vigilante armor. Bow in hand and hood covering his face, he looked threatening.

"This is huge." Barry mumbled. He hated lying to Caitlin.

"Barry," Oliver grabbed Barry's shoulder forcing him to look him in the eyes. "Please, promise me to keep my sister safe. Keep her out of this life."

Barry saw the fear and pain in his eyes. One he couldn't imagine feeling if Caitlin had gotten hurt because of his telling her about Oliver's secret. "I promise. I won't tell her anything. I don't like lying to her but keeping her safe is more important."

"Thank you, Barry." Oliver said relieved.

"We should get back up there. It's been a while. And Laurel can only stall Caity's curiosity for so long. She will be wondering where we all went soon."

Barry nodded before following Felicity out of the vigilante headquarters. Oliver headed over to change into civilian clothes. "I'll be up in a bit."

Barry's mind was plagued with thoughts of the Star City vigilante and how he was going to keep this from Caitlin as he walked back through the secret wall and entered the even busier club. How long was he gone? Was Caitlin worried about him? He picked up his pace to return to her.

Caitlin stood at a table with Laurel and Tommy. Sara had joined in, which was sure to keep Caitlin distracted for a bit and a dark-haired man had joined them at the table as well.

He leaned closer to Caitlin whispering in her ear something that made her laugh.

Something in Barry twisted as he watched the exchange with interest and a bit of jealousy. His fists clenched and his eyebrows furrowed in frustration. So much was happening in one night and he needed time to process it all.

Felicity put a comforting hand on his shoulder, "That's Ronnie, Caity's ex. They were together for a long time."

Barry watched as Ronnie rubbed her hand affectionately.

"He never really got over her." Felicity finished urging him closer towards the table. Barry nodded in turn, making his way back towards Caitlin.

"Caity! Sorry we took so long. I ran into Barry on my way in and asked for his help with something. Hope you didn't miss him too much." Felicity covered for them as she hugged Sara and Ronnie hello.

"I always miss him, Lissy." Caitlin smiled reaching out her hand to Barry. Quickly his hand found hers and she began pulling him to her side.

"Barr, this is Ronnie." Caitlin said smiling, leaning her head on Barry's shoulder. She gave a brief laugh, "He saved me from an awkward encounter with some drunk guys. Don't worry Tommy had them escorted out."

"I'm sorry I wasn't here, Cait." Barry apologized pulling her hand up to place a gentle kiss on it.

"Ahh, so you're the infamous Barry. Caity talked about you a lot. I'm glad you came back to Star City with her." Ronnie reached out his hand to shake Barry's outstretched hand.

He could only imagine what was going through Ronnie's mind at that moment. Barry, on the other hand, was surprised to hear that Caitlin had talked so much about Barry to Ronnie. That couldn't have been comfortable for the other man.

"Nice to meet you." Barry politely replied. "Cait, can I steal you away for a moment."

She nodded as she curled her fingers around his. Barry couldn't help the faint smile that appeared when Ronnie noticed their entwined hands.

He led Caitlin towards the bar to get a drink for himself. "So, Ronnie–" Barry started before Caitlin cut him off.

"Barry, don't start getting jealous now. He is just a friend. We ran into each other when some guys started getting a bit handsy. And since you weren't around, I'm glad he showed up when he did." She leaned up to kiss his cheek. Squeezing his hand in hers she pulled away and said, "I still wake up next to you most nights anyway."

With that slight reassurance Barry felt a weight lift off his chest. She wouldn't look a Ronnie when he was right there with her. And Ronnie wouldn't try anything with Barry right there.

Barry nodded and kissed her lips quickly before smiling and pulling her into his arms as they waited for his drink to be made. Her back leaned back against his chest. Her head rested on his shoulder as he nuzzled into her neck. He wouldn't worry about anything anymore tonight. He just wanted to enjoy the rest of tonight with Caitlin in his arms.

When they reached their table again, Oliver had shown up. Nice, snazzy clothes and a suave smile on his face as he headed towards Caitlin.

"Ollie, 'bout time you showed your face. Work, work, work, as always." She smiled giving him a hug.

"Great! Now that everyone is present and accounted for…" Tommy started.

"Let's get this party started!" Sara finished for him as she handed out shots off her tray.

Barry tripped a bit when Caitlin dragged him back into their room at the Queen Mansion. Her lips were distracting him from even completing the simplest of task, like walking.

A giggle from her and a chuckle from him had them both shushing each other as they finally made it to their room.

She quickly removed the dress she had started complaining about being scratchy halfway through the ride home. She was a little more than tipsy, but that only made her cling to Barry that much more.

She had made her way over to the bed, not even bother clothes other than her underwear. Barry stood there by the door for a moment just watching her, taking in her complete beauty. She reached her arm out for him to follow as she laid back on the bed.

He followed obediently. Taking his jacket off and throwing it on the chair by her desk. He jumped on the bed next to her and placed gentle kisses on her cheeks and neck.

"Mmm… more please." She moaned. Barry let out a little laugh when she squirmed from his hands caressing up and down her body. "You missed a spot, Barr." She pointed top her lips with heavy eyes.

"If you wish, love." He captured her lips in his. Demanding yet gentle. A perfect amount of love spreading between her and him.

He pulled away when the need for air became too much and smiled when she groaned in protest.

"Barry..." Caitlin whined breathlessly.

"Cait..." He whispered into her hair, all the emotions he felt for her in a single caress of her name on her skin. Every kiss, every touch. She was all he needed in life.

He grazed her skin pushing some hair behind her ear.

"I love you, Barry." She kissed his wrist, entwining their fingers together, "I always have and I always will."

A tear slipped down her cheek and his lips kissed it away. "I know. I love you too, Cait. You are it for me."

She smiled widely at him before rolling them over so she was leaning over him. "Forever doesn't seem to be nearly long enough."

Shaking his head, "It's not. But at least we can spend it together."

She laughed in agreement. Kissing him briefly before shuffling her way off him. "Don't even start, Mr. way-with-words. Mom would not appreciate any activities of that sort, tonight. Or any night for that matter. Not in her house. Get changed, while I'm in the bathroom." She sent him a wink and a smile over her shoulder as she entered the bathroom.

He sighed leaning his head back on the pillow for a second before getting up and changing. Picking up her dress and throwing it in the hamper, he had gathered her shoes together before putting them back in the closet. He quickly stripped out of his night-life clothes and into something more comfortable. He had just thrown a bed shirt on when she had entered back into the room.

She strutted her way up to him, a confident smirk on her face. She ran her hands up and down his chest before he snatched her hand away twirling her around for a moment before seating her on the bed. A fit of giggle escaping from her mouth. He arms wound around his waist pulling him closer.

"Caitlin, you need to put some appropriate clothes on." He tried sounding stern but her big brown doe-like eyes were so beautifully distracting the command came out more of an unnecessary suggestion.

"Or you could put some clothes on me?" She teased.

He leaned down giving her a chaste kiss on her lips. Her hands were already making their way up his chest towards his neck.

"Nope." He broke away from her a smirk on his face as he headed towards the bathroom.

He could hear her protest from behind the closed door. Barry laughed to himself. He loved her so much.

Brushing his teeth and finishing up everything he needed to, he returned to the bedroom to find a pajama clad Caitlin.

"Was that so hard?" he asked pulling the covers away from the bed to slide under.

"You're no fun." She stuck out her tongue out at him while sending a goodnight text to Felicity she put her phone on her nightstand. She shimmied under the covers her hands gliding across his chest to curl around his waist. "Thank you for coming with me."

"Of course. Your family is important to you, they are important to me too. That's how this works Caitlin. And I know this isn't exactly how I wanted to ask you. I had a plan with a fancy dinner and flowers and maybe even a gift or something but I realize I don't need any of that. I just need you. So, Caitlin Snow, will you make it official and be my girlfriend?" Barry asked, caressing her cheek.

She smiled, "I was wondering when you would ask." She kissed him briefly, her forehead resting against his. "Yes, I would love to be your girlfriend Barry Allen."

A lot happened today but none of that really passed through Barry's mind when he had Caitlin in his arms.