Five Times
Description: Five times Caitlin met Barry on the S.T.A.R. Labs rooftop.
Just an idea I had and it turned into this. It was fun to write in little snippets like this.
...
Caitlin inhaled the cold, damp air as a breeze swept over her. She stood, silently looking out across the city and listening to the ambient sound of the soft rainfall.
Recently, she had discovered how peaceful the S.T.A.R labs' rooftop was. The lab itself used to be peaceful, but these days it was more crowded and noisy. Which was fine, they really did need all the help they could get, but somedays it just became too much. Today was one of those days, and the roof offered Caitlin solace. Offered her a wide-open space with fresh air, and a wonderful view. It was a temporary escape, and Caitlin was happy for it.
She felt the tension begin to slowly ebb from her shoulders, while she absently studied the small puddles forming on the concrete. It was one of those gray rainy days, but not a muggy uncomfortable one. It was light and breezy, the air permeated with the smell of fresh rain. The atmosphere was calming and peaceful, exactly what she had needed to escape the tense environment inside. Caitlin knew she would need to go back eventually, but for now, she would simply enjoy it.
At some point, she registered someone else's presence on the roof. Caitlin knew who it was immediately, she could tell by the way his footsteps sounded or the way he carried himself.
"It's pretty chilly out here, you're going to catch a cold." Barry chided, as he stepped up beside her.
It was strange to hear him say that, mostly because she was used to chiding him about his health.
"It doesn't bother me." She replied quietly.
"Okay, Elsa," He teased.
"You know I hate that nickname," She glanced at him, there was no bite to her words, only a hint of playfulness.
"I know," he answered with a small chuckle, "You froze Cisco's car the last time he called you that."
Caitlin couldn't help but smile a little at the memory. A comfortable silence settled on the roof as the pair took in the view before them.
"I'm sorry," Barry eventually spoke up.
"It's okay," Caitlin replied, knowing what he was talking about.
"Still," he continued quietly, "It wasn't fair for you and Cisco to get caught in between one of our screaming matches."
Caitlin had to admit, it hadn't been pleasant, being around for heated arguments never was. But she still didn't want Barry to feel any worse than he probably already did.
"Barry, it's alright," she assured, giving him an understanding look.
"Besides, it's kinda beautiful out." She added.
He nodded ever so slightly, growing quiet. Another breeze washed over them, lightly ruffling the jacket Caitlin wore.
"She wants a divorce." Barry blurted, his voice barely a whisper.
Caitlin stood in stunned silence for a moment or two.
"I'm sorry." She answered, matching his tone.
Because, what else was there to say? She had been dealing with the Barry and Iris fiasco for a few years now, it had always been a little difficult to predict. And at the end of the day, it had always been none of Caitlin's business.
"It's alright," Barry sighed, "it's been coming for a while." He spoke with resignation.
"I mean we've tried every angle, every way to try and fix things between us," Barry continued and Caitlin listened, "But it's just not working."
"I guess it was always one of those things that are nice in theory, but when you get there they're just...not what you thought they were," He let out a low, bitter laugh.
"I'm sorry you got hurt," Caitlin amended solemnly.
"But I have a feeling everything will turn out alright in the end," she assured, giving his arm a gentle pat, "You'll see."
"Thank you," Barry stated with an actual smile.
"What for?"
"Always being there."
"It's my pleasure," she answered easily.
They went back to watching the rain. Back to enjoying those rare moments where it's calm, and reality is just a bit altered. Where you forget about everything else and just exist in that moment.
...
The next time Caitlin found herself on the rooftop, it was a crisp, clear night. She was quite certain she would've been able to see the stars, had they not been drowned out by the city lights. Her stomach was in knots as she stood on the very edge of the building, looking down at the drop below her. Caitlin knew what she needed to do, but she was still working up the nerve.
Over the past several months, she had been learning to master her powers. She had gotten to the point where she no longer blacked out when using her abilities, and she could use them without fully changing. Not only that, but she and Killer Frost were no longer separate personalities. It had been a hard thing to accept; that other side of herself, but Caitlin had done it, and was better for it.
However, there was one thing she still hadn't been able to master. The ice slide. Something about propelling herself through the air on a sheet of ice just made her a little bit uncomfortable. Killer Frost had done it regularly, but that was the more adventurous, careless side of Caitlin. The one that hadn't had her logic and reason to check and balance it, but now she did. One part of Caitlin's mind told her to just do it, the other part told her of the risks.
Eventually, Caitlin squared her shoulders and readied her frost. She took a breath and lifted her leg forward, preparing to step off the roof.
"Caitlin don't!" A voice cut through the air, catching her off guard.
She lost her balance and toppled over the edge. However, the fall was short-lived. An instant later Barry was there holding onto her, a look of horror etched on his features. Caitlin's breaths came out in uneven gasps as she dangled there, held only by Barry's firm grip. He quickly began to pull her up, all the while repeating the words, "I've got you."
As soon as she got close enough, Caitlin gripped the ledge and pulled herself up as well. Barry soon hauled her the rest of the way over and back onto solid concrete. Caitlin took a moment to catch her breath, hands trembling. She was about to thank Barry when he spoke.
"Why would you do that," he exclaimed, fear on his features, "I know it's hard sometimes, but that's not the way," Barry leveled his gaze with hers, worry in his eyes.
Caitlin furrowed her brow in confusion. Then it occurred to her just how that must've looked from Barry's perspective.
"Wait, no," Caitlin answered, "I wasn't trying to kill myself," she assured.
"Then why on earth were you about to step off the edge of a building?" Barry questioned frantically.
"I was trying to work on my ice slide," Caitlin admitted, standing up straight.
"Alone!" He shot back.
Apparently, she couldn't win with him tonight.
"Well, that's how I've learned everything else," Caitlin countered, wincing at how harsh it sounded.
It wasn't like she had asked, then again, nobody had offered either. But still, she immediately felt guilty about snapping at him.
Barry frowned.
"I'm sorry," she back peddled, "I didn't mean..."
"You're right," Barry stated, once again catching her off guard.
"Barry..."
"No, you are," he protested. "We haven't exactly been helping you, and for that I'm sorry," he said, a note of sincerity in his tone.
"It's alright," she replied quietly, "I shouldn't have snapped at you like that."
"And you shouldn't have had to feel like you had to do this alone," Barry argued.
"It's fine, it's not like any of us have really been training anyway," she reasoned.
"We should be though," he countered, "Especially if we're gonna be on the field together."
Caitlin nodded in agreement.
"Thank you for saving me," she added.
"I don't know if you should be thanking me since I'm the one that made you fall in the first place," he pointed out.
"Still," she said with a slight eye roll.
They were quiet for a beat, the distant sounds of the city blending into the background.
"Now," Barry began, "what do you say we work on that ice slide? If you want to, that is?"
Caitlin smiled ever so slightly, "Absolutely."
...
Eventually, Caitlin was the one that found Barry on the rooftop. She wasn't surprised. They had just taken down the latest villain that had been terrorizing not only the city but Barry as well. It had been an exhausting night, both physically and emotionally. Caitlin couldn't blame Barry for needing to take a minute. However, what was surprising was that somewhere along the way her hiding places had also become his too.
When she found him he was sitting on the floor, his head leaned back against the ledge. Caitlin stood in the stairwell and knocked lightly on the doorframe, announcing her presence.
Barry's eyes snapped open and he tensed, but once he caught sight of her, he seemed to relax a little. Caitlin offered him a smile and held up the fast-food bag she had been carrying.
"You did a lot of running today, I figured you'd need something to help keep your blood sugar up," she explained.
"Right, thanks," Barry shook his head, a weariness about him. "I completely forgot," he admitted.
"It's okay," Caitlin said understandingly, as she took a seat next to him. "That's why you have me,"
Barry breathed out a slight laugh, sitting up straight. Caitlin opened the bag and handed him a hamburger. The pair sat cross-legged on the concrete, eating together quietly. About 10 minutes later, they were sharing the last box of French fries and looking at the sky. The clouds were thick and low, catching the city lights in just a way as to make it look as if they glowed.
"How are you?" Caitlin asked, taking a bite of her fry.
"Better," Barry admitted, "I didn't realize how hungry I was.
"What about you," he inquired. "You took some pretty hard hits out there," Barry stated with a frown.
"I'm fine. You're not the only one that heals quickly Mr. Allen," Caitlin reminded, a relaxed tone to her voice.
"I know, Dr. Snow, I know," he answered, cracking a smile.
Barry leaned his head back against the concrete once more, taking a deep, heavy breath.
"Are you sure you're alright," Caitlin worried, crumpling up the paper bag.
"I'm okay, Cait," he informed in a low tone, "I'm just tired."
"Sometimes it's just hard, you know?" Barry explained, "It's one hit after another, one meta after another. It just gets..." he trailed off.
"Tedious," Caitlin supplied.
Barry nodded.
"I know," Caitlin sighed, leaning back next to him.
"But on the bright side, you're not in it alone, " she informed, resting her head on his shoulder. "And you never have to be."
"I know," Barry echoed.
He then wrapped his arm around her shoulder, resting his chin on her head.
...
Months later, Caitlin found herself on the roof once again, She was laying on a soft blanket, a picnic basket to her left. The sun hung low in the sky, casting slanted, golden light. She felt calm and relaxed, the rays of sunlight warm against her face.
"It's a car," Caitlin stated, pointing to a particularly large cloud.
"It's a giraffe," Barry argued from where he laid next to her.
"How are you getting a giraffe from that," Caitlin replied, her shoulders shaking with mirth, "It's square."
Barry simply rolled his eyes, light getting caught in his brown hair.
"Actually, it's neither a car nor a giraffe," Caitlin explained in a matter-of-fact tone, "really it's an aerosol comprised of a visible mass of minute liquid droplets, frozen crystals, or particles suspended in the atmosphere..."
Caitlin trailed off as she glanced at Barry, a spark in his eyes she couldn't quite place.
"What?" She inquired, propping herself up to look at him.
"Nothing," he gave a small laugh, looking down for a moment.
"I just love it when you start talking about science," Barry added, beaming.
Caitlin smiled back, certain her face was turning red. She curled up next to him, resting her head on his chest. Barry pulled her in closer, stealing a kiss every now and then. The two stayed there for a few hours, watching as the sky turned to stars.
...
Caitlin's footsteps echoed softly, her dress trailing at her feet. She came to a stop on the stairwell, just in front of the door.
"You ready?" Cisco asked, coming up beside her.
Caitlin nodded, looping her arm through his. She stayed there for a moment, attempting to calm the anxious feeling in her stomach.
"Thank you for doing this," Caitlin's voice echoed in the small metal compartment.
"I'm honored that you asked," Cisco replied, sincerity in his eyes.
She gave his arm a gentle squeeze. Caitlin took a breath, and a moment later Cisco opened the door. She was met with a calming breeze, the sunlight streaming through the moderately overcast sky.
Music played softly as the two began the walk, moving pasts the chairs that lined the aisle, As soon as Caitlin caught sight of Barry, her nerves melted away. He stood at the end of the walkway, looking dashing in his black tux. Harry and Oliver were standing next to him, wearing suits of their own. And just behind the empty spot next to him, was Felicity and Cecile. It was a small and private event, but that was fine with them. They didn't need nor want a big wedding, just as long as the people they cared about most were there. The couple had decided the S.T.A.R. roof was a good place for the ceremony. Not only had it in many ways become 'their spot,' but it was also very large and open. Not to mention, on days like today particularly, the view could be breathtaking.
Caitlin watched as an array of emotions flashed over Barry's face, mirroring what she herself felt. Eventually, she made it to the end of the aisle and took her place next to Barry. His features had settled on that 100-megawatt smile that she had always loved so much. As the minister prepared to begin the ceremony, Barry leaned closer to her and spoke.
"You were right," he informed in a low tone.
"About?"
"Everything turned out alright," Barry whispered, echoing the words she had once spoken to him.
Caitlin's mind flickered back to that day, that distant rainy day. She felt a rush of emotion, and a strange feeling in her chest. If she had been told that this was where that day would lead, she never would've believed it.
A moment later, the ceremony began. Caitlin beamed as they exchanged their vows, ready to begin the rest of their lives together.
The End
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