Disclaimer: I do not own The Flash or anything to do with DC. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
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Barry Allen was really nervous about this date, in a way he hadn't been since he had first started dating Iris West a few years ago. That covered a lot of ground, considering recent events, but this was the most important date of his new and unusual relationship. And he was nervous, because Iris wasn't there to anchor him. No, this was his first one on one date with Caitlin Snow, despite the fact that the two of them had been dating each other, and Iris, for months now.
So this was really overdue, as Barry had gone on plenty of dates with just Iris, and Iris had gone on even more dates with just Caitlin, given their hectic work schedule. Going out with just Caitlin was inevitable, and he shouldn't be nervous for it, but if it didn't go well he was afraid it would cost him Iris and Caitlin, and he really, really didn't want that.
Thankfully, it turned out he was just worrying over nothing, because when it came down to it they had plenty to talk about, and as soon as the date started he relaxed and just enjoyed it. They both did, as to his relief Caitlin was just as nervous as he was, allowing them to calm each other's nerves and anchor each other, proving Iris right that the experience only bought them closer together, instead of tearing them apart.
He even got Caitlin to sing with him again, as of course they had gone to the karaoke bar again, because it just felt right. Admittedly Caitlin wasn't quite so drunk as last time, but they still had a lot of fun, and even got a decent applause as they slowly headed back their table, Barry's arm slung over his girlfriend's shoulder and holding at tightly to him. For her part, Caitlin clung tightly back, at least until they reach their destination, at which point they pulled apart, still laughing.
"That was so great." Barry laughed as he sat down.
"Yeah, easy for you to say." Caitlin chuckled, sitting down next to him, and smiling warmly at him, "You're so good at this. I mean seriously, Barry, have you ever thought of going on a singing show? You'd kill it."
"Na." Barry dismissed, leaning in, "I'd much rather come here with my girls and just have fun with it."
"Yeah?" Caitlin blushed, her heart fluttering at the superhero referring to herself and their girlfriend as his girls.
"Yeah." Barry shrugged, with a flirtatious grin at her, before quickly teasing, "Besides, you'd be lost without me."
"As if..." Caitlin scoffed playfully, puffing out her chest, "I think we did pretty well without you, all things considered. Not that I'm not grateful to have you back! Because I am. So, so grateful. More than I could have ever imagine."
"Me too." Barry said softly, before quickly adding, "And you did. You guys did such a great job while I was away. Especially you Caitlin. You were the one out there doing the heavy hitting, and I'm sorry I haven't said this before, but you protected my home, and my family, and I could never think you enough."
Caitlin preened, and then pointed out, "There my family too, so it wasn't a big sacrifice on my part, but you're welcome. It was my pleasure."
"Especially the part where you stole my girlfriend." Barry teased, before quickly realising he had made a mistake from the hurt look on Caitlin's face, "I'm so sorry, that was meant to be a joke. I swear. I'm... I'm just, I'm really glad how things worked out."
"Me too." Caitlin said softly, a pleasant silence falling between them, before she asked, "So, speaking of our girlfriend, have you thought any more about her offer?"
"Oh that..." Barry blushed, "I don't know. I mean, I have, but... you know?"
"I know." Caitlin said softly, putting a hand over his and softly encouraging, "But I never thought I'd enjoy it, and now, I can't get enough."
"Yeah, but..." Barry began, before trailing off.
"But what?" Caitlin gently pushed.
"It's different." Barry said softly.
"Yes, obviously, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try. Or that you won't like it." Caitlin pointed out. Then after a few long seconds of silence she flirtatiously added, "Besides, don't you want the reward?"
"Definitely." Barry said without hesitation, then feeling bashful about it as he mumbled, "I'm just not sure I'll get it."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that." Caitlin said, leaning in, whispering into his ear, "Iris wants me to give you another preview."
"I thought that was what you guys had been doing for the past few weeks." Barry smiled, his mind reliving other pleasant memories as he did so.