Barry was stunned, frozen in place as he processed what he had just been witness too. Watching the woman he was falling in love with and holding her as she died was devastating, he had no doubts it hurt ten times worse for his future self. From his vantage point he could see that Kara meant the world for him, that she was very possibly the love of his life. Barry didn’t even know where they were, or even what month it was until a newspaper was blown across his feet. The paper snapped him out of his trance as he bent down to pick it up. All that was left of the paper were a few shredded pages, and the name of the paper was gone. The title of the article and date were most of what remained.

“Project Cadmus unveils groundbreaking new discovery…February 5th, 2017? This can’t be…I…”

Before Barry could do anything else, another burst of lightning hit the ground behind him, opening another speed force portal. The power of the strike caused a shift in the gravity and created a vortex that pulled him back to present day. The future Barry, while still caught up in his grief, caught the flash of light out of the corner of his eye and remembered what happened. But the portal was closed before he could move, and he didn’t even want to as he was still holding on to Kara.

Back in his own time, Barry was once again on the road to Gotham. While he missed his Kara and really wanted to surprise her with date night, his impromptu trip to the future took precedence. Turning around; he raced back to Star Labs, rushing through the door and coming to a stop in front of his friends.

“Barry…what did I tell you! Go see Kara and…”

“I did see Kara…I just watched her die, Caitlin. Cisco, I need to get to Earth-3 right away.”

“Wait-wait a minute Barry. You were barely gone five minutes. How could you…”

“The Speed Force sent me to the future. Specifically five months from now, Cisco. That’s why I need to see Jay right now.”

There was an earnestness in Barry’s voice that no one could ignore. The terror behind his eyes dared his friends to challenge him, but thankfully none did. It took only a matter of seconds for Cisco and Harry to understand that in only a month, Kara had become so much more to Barry than just a friend and partner. Cisco had seen the beginnings at the karaoke bar, and silently agreed as he walked with Barry to the cortex.

“Barry, you know that…”

“Whatever you’re going to say Cisco, save it. We know so little about the Speed Force, but the spirits that control it or whatever they are, never do anything without a purpose.”

Cisco sighed, hoping that Barry knew what he was getting into, while praying Jay would have some answers or advice that would be helpful. He opened the breach, dropping them right into the middle of a fight between Jay and someone who looked like a better dressed version of their own Trickster.

“How many times do we have to do this Jesse? Every time you escape from prison, you always go back to your old ways. And you know what happens, I always stop you.”

“Because I give your life meaning, Flash. Where would you be without me?”

“Dealing with another criminal. Or…”

Jay paused as he saw Barry and Cisco standing in the background. Both had worried looks on their faces so as much as hurrying this along was against his better judgment, he handed the Trickster to the police.

“…helping a friend out with a problem. Officer, take him away. I’ll deal with him later; right now I’ve got more pressing business to attend to.”

The police loaded Trickster into the back of a squad car as Jay approached Barry and Cisco. The worried looks had remained, and he instinctively knew that the reason they were on his earth was not for a social call.

“Flash, Vibe…what can I do for you?”

“I need your help Jay. The Speed Force sent me to the future.”

“Barry…”

“You don’t believe me?”

“No, I believe you kid. But you’ve got to remember that whatever it was that you saw, was just one potential future. Events may not even come to pass. The future is always in motion, and…”

“Cisco…you’re just going to have to vibe me and show Jay. I know you haven’t seen this yet, but both of you should be witness to what I saw.”

“All right Barry. Jay, this is going to feel really weird. Just keep an open mind.”

Cisco placed his right hand on Barry’s shoulder and his left on Jay’s. Barry focused on what he saw in his trip forward in time and all three were instantly seeing the battle. Cisco had vibed the future with Barry before so he knew what to expect, but Jay was slightly overwhelmed.

“Barry…this…this…”

“It’s five months from now Jay. I want to believe that this future won’t happen. But you’re seeing what I saw. I’m seeing it again as I watch myself watching everything that happened.”

“I’m down there fighting with your other friends. You’re going to come to me for help?”

“I always will Jay.”

“Kid…”

“Just watch. Up there at the epicenter of the battle. What do you see?”

“Are those cy…cyborgs?”

“Yes…and a meta-human, known as the Turtle.”

“Don’t tell me you’ve got a version of him too?”

“Yeah, and he’s blocking my powers. I’m helpless up there Jay. And Kara and Superman…”

“That green energy…what is that?”

“It’s called kryptonite. It’s killing Kara, and her cousin.”

“And the gold energy blasts…?”

“I don’t know. I only know that it’s being combined with the kryptonite and together both energy sources are causing them immense pain.”

Jay fell silent as the war continued to play out in front of them. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as the battle neared its conclusion. He could only stare in horror as the kryptonite burned Kara and she fell, followed by Superman. When the Turtle withdrew, he saw Barry race to her, holding her body as she died. Then came the gut-wrenching scream of both Barry Allen’s. Mercifully, Cisco cut the connection and they were back on Earth-3.

“Barry, first thing I have to say is I’m sorry. When you were in your Speed Force coma, Kara and I spent a lot of time talking. I could tell already that you meant a lot to her. I know she means a lot to you. So I know that seeing that for the second time really has to hurt.”

“Thanks Jay. But you know I can’t let this future happen. I can’t let Kara die like that.”

“I know. But listen kid…this future is still just one potential outcome. The Speed Force is showing you something that may or may not happen.”

“It felt so real Jay, and I’ve lost so much in my life already. Losing her…”

“You want my advice Barry; I’ll do the best I can. First, don’t let this consume you. If you spend too much time focusing on these events, you’ll drive the people you love away from you. Especially Kara. You need her, and she needs you. If; and that’s a mighty big if… but if this future is going to happen, spend as much time with her as possible. Enjoy the time you have because it can be gone in an instant.”

“No offense Jay, but it sounds like you’re telling me I should just accept these events…accept that Kara dying in my arms as inevitable.”

“None taken, and that’s not what I’m saying at all. I’m telling you not to make a mistake and push her away thinking that she’s going to die and there’s nothing you can do about it. I saw the ring on her left hand, clear as day. At some point in the next few months, you’re going to potentially propose. Don’t do it for the wrong reasons.”

“Jay…”

“Don’t make my mistake kid. I lost sight of what was important, and I lost Joan.”

“She died?”

“No…she’s still out there. She didn’t even leave Keystone. She’s waiting on a stubborn old fool to make up his mind. That’s why I’m training a new speedster. Go home Barry, spend time with Kara.”

“Jay…”

“And don’t worry. I’ll be here when you come to me for help. Good luck Flash.”

Barry was no less worried when Cisco breached them back to Earth-1, but Jay’s advice was what he needed to hear. The future isn’t set in stone, and for the fastest man alive, nothing is impossible, not even saving the woman he loves. When they arrived back in the cortex, Harry and Caitlin were waiting.

“Allen, Ramon…I guess Garrick wasn’t very helpful.”

“He gave me some good advice Harry. Spend as much time with Kara as possible. He told me not to lose sight of what’s really important.”

“That is good advice. So you’re going to take mine and go to Gotham for date night?”

“I am Caitlin…and you three are going to find ways for us to circumvent this future. Kara’s not going to die, Superman isn’t going to die, and Team Flash isn’t going down without a fight.”

There was fire in Barry’s eyes as he grabbed his suit and took off for Gotham. Caitlin and Cisco were thrilled to see the old Barry back, but Harry was a little more skeptical. He has faith in Barry, even when Zoom used him to steal Barry’s speed, he still had faith that Barry would win, and save Jesse. But his own worry is not that Barry is going to lose sight of what’s important, it’s what choice is he going to make and what the repercussions of that choice will be.

Meanwhile in Gotham, Kara was getting restless. She was doing everything in her power to help Clark get back to being Superman; it was almost like a reversal of when he trained her. He was back to running at super-speed and taking short flights around the cave. He still had a long road ahead, but she was still feeling bad for cancelling date night, especially since this night was when she met Barry one month ago.

With nothing else to do, she and Clark were up in Wayne Manor. Bruce had allowed them access as their training sessions were keeping him from focusing as Batman. Diana had gone to Metropolis so Clark and Kara could have some time to themselves without worrying about the city. Both were sitting there, talking about nothing when Clark’s phone rang. Lois was on the other end of the line so he had to excuse himself, knowing she was calling for Perry.

“Lois…how many Great Caesar’s ghosts has Perry said this time?”

Kara could have heard what Lois was saying but focused her super-hearing elsewhere. As it was she laughed at Clark’s comment, because she knew he was nearly ready to head back to Metropolis. She knew he’d never admit it, but he preferred his apartment to Wayne Manor. Bruce’s mansion felt too empty, and sometimes reminded him of when he and Lex lived in Smallville; just before their friendship imploded. In the next few moments she was drawn away from her wandering mind when her phone began ringing. She hadn’t been expecting a phone call, but the ringtone made her smile nonetheless.

“Barry!”

“Hey Kara, I know you were feeling upset about postponing date night…”

“Still am…I really wanted to see you on our one month…”

“I know…that’s why I made a decision…”

“Barry? What are you talking about?”

“You know where Gotham Observatory is?”

“Of course I do. Why?”

“Good, can you be there in…say ten minutes?”

“Barry, have you forgotten that I’m Supergirl? I can be there in two minutes. What have you got planned?”

“Not telling…it’s a surprise. I figured ten minutes is adequate time for you to put on a nice dress, and…”

“I’ll be there in ten. This better be a spectacular surprise, Flash.”

“Don’t worry about that, Supergirl. I know this will be ten times the surprise where I gave you that interview. See you soon.”

Kara hung up the phone and started dashing around Wayne Manor, excited about what Barry had planned. She only stopped briefly to look in the mirror, remembering that she had only brought casual clothing and her Supergirl uniform. She had rushed past Clark, and almost ran into Alfred before coming to an abrupt stop.

“Miss Danvers…you seem quite perturbed. May I be of assistance?”

“Alfred…I…I need a dress. When I came to help Clark, I didn’t think I’d need to bring one.”

“That should not be a problem. Miss Gordon has stored some of her dresses here for the various charity galas she had attended with Master Grayson. May I inquire as to the occasion?”

“It’s date night; Alfred. I couldn’t make it to Central City to be with my boyfriend so he brought date night to me.”

“I see. Well, let me show you to Miss Gordon’s private wardrobe. I am quite sure you will find something suitable to wear.”

After being taken to Barbara’s room, Kara quickly searched through the closet, looking for something that wasn’t overly fancy, but would be just right to make Barry speechless. She came back with a few choices, but none of them seemed right until Alfred came back and pulled out one particular dress that Kara missed in her hasty searching.

“Miss Danvers…perhaps this dress will be more suitable?”

“Alfred…how did you…”

“Miss Gordon has not worn this dress in several years. She was your age the last time she had occasion to.”

Kara quickly took the dress and moved back into the walk in closet and slipped it on. She knew Barbara had excellent taste, and the dress was a near perfect fit. It was black, knee length and sat just below her shoulders. Kara was stunned at her own appearance in the mirror and she just knew that Barry would be as well. With eight minutes to spare, she quickly applied a small amount of makeup and left her hair down, also making the choice to leave her glasses behind. As soon as she stepped into her borrowed heels, she made her way downstairs to cheesy applause from Clark.

“Wow Kara…you certainly went all out for this date night.”

“Clark…how did you know?”

“I overheard your conversation with Barry while I was talking to Lois.”

“Eavesdropping, cousin?”

“Didn’t need my super-hearing to hear you. You were downright giddy and your voice went up an octave when you saw that it was Barry who called.”

“Whatever…you were eavesdropping.”

“I…yeah…”

Before Clark could finish, Alfred came in the room, speaking directly to Kara.

“Miss Danvers, if you would like, I can drive you to…”

“Gotham Observatory. That’s where I’m meeting Barry.”

“Indeed, it would not suit your date night to fly there as Supergirl.”

“Thank you Alfred. Clark…”

“Have fun cousin, tell Barry I said hi.”

“Yeah, no. No offense Kal, but the last thing I’m going to talk about on date night is you, unless he asks how you’re doing. Though I don’t think he will when he sees me in this dress.”

“Well, have fun Kara.”

“I will, don’t wait up.”

Kara turned and followed Alfred to the car. Gotham Observatory was located in the same district only about five miles from Wayne Manor. Traffic was relatively light until a garish green and purple car came speeding through the intersection with the Batmobile and several police cars in pursuit.

“”My apologies Miss Danvers…but it seems we must take a detour.”

“The Joker again? He never learns, does he?”

“I’m afraid not, Ma’am. But you now may be slightly late for your date night.”

“I’m not worried about that Alfred, just as long as we get there.”

Barry was waiting patiently for Kara. He knew that he had sprung this on her with short notice so he wasn’t going to be mad if she was a little late. This night was going to be especially romantic as he had planned a picnic under the stars and the Observatory had opened up the grounds to all of Gotham’s citizens to watch the meteor shower. What was even better for Barry was that there weren’t many couples out this evening and Batman being involved in a high speed chase with the Joker and half of Gotham P.D. put a damper on the evening.

Barry was looking at his watch for the fifth time as ten minutes had turned into twenty. He was beginning to get worried that Kara wasn’t going to make it, but he pushed that thought aside. She was Supergirl after all, and he wouldn’t be able to blame her if she had stopped to help with an incident or accident on the way. He would have done the same. So he was sitting on the blanket he had set out for them when he heard footsteps in the soft grass and a soft voice speaking.

“Hey there, you look kind of lonely. Mind if I join you?”

Barry felt himself smile because he knew who was speaking. She had made it to date night, and he just couldn’t help but tease her.

“I’m actually kind of waiting for someone. She’s running a little late, but I’m sure my girlfriend will be here soon. Thanks for the offer, but she means a lot to me.”

Kara hid a chuckle and was glad Barry had his back to her so he couldn’t see her blush. It didn’t take her long to get her emotions back under control as she stepped around in front of him, meeting his teasing tone with her own.

“Well, she’s one lucky girl then. Especially since you brought date night to her, and dressed in a very nice suit, I might add.”

Barry looked up as Kara stood in front of him and offered him her hand. She could tell by the look in his eyes that the dress she was wearing had indeed left him speechless. For a moment, he was slack-jawed and she thought he might pass out.

“Barry…?”

“Kara…wow…um…wow…you…you look amazing.”

“Why thank you, Mr. Allen. You look very dashing as well.”

Kara’s smile had Barry so thrown off he couldn’t stop staring and nearly forgot about the bouquet of roses he had inside the picnic basket. Now flustered he spun in a circle, hoping he had everything so the night would be as perfect as he had planned.

“Kara…I had something…I know it’s here somewhere…just…just give me a…”

“Barry, stop. Come here.”

Once again her smile was the only thing he could think of and he walked towards her outstretched arms. Soft music started to play as she looped her arms around his neck and he gently placed his hands on her waist. In that moment they were dancing, and both felt like they were flying again. Suddenly nothing else mattered, not the food, or the roses, or even the meteor shower. All Barry and Kara needed right then were each other and under the stars, he very nearly forgot about the devastating future that he had witnessed.