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Sep. 7th, 2025 07:23 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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flashpoint_heroesCentral City wouldn't have been Noah's first guess, when it came to places Claire might settle down. He would have thought New York or California, to be closer to family. She'd been running for long enough, he thought she might choose a place where it'd be easier for her to plant some roots. But no, she was adamant about going somewhere she could start fresh.
He held back his 'I told you so' when she told him about the bar fight, purely because when she described the attack, it wasn't something either of them could have foreseen, not even him with all his years in the field. Meta-humans were completely unfamiliar to him, and from what he'd been told, had the potential to be more even powerful than evolved humans. There wasn't much that scared him, but this certainly was unnerving, especially if Claire had found herself in their crosshairs so quickly.
She was shifty about the reasons why, which indicated that it was something important to her. He didn't press for too much in the way of details, instead letting her feed him the information however she was most comfortable doing so. It had taken years to adjust his communication style in this way, but considering how much his daughters trust in him had grown, it was worth the effort.
They'd been in regular communication, and she had seemed to be in especially high spirits after her date. Considering how private she had been about her love life since Gretchen, when Barry's name kept coming up, Noah paid attention. As far as he could tell, she was over the moon for this guy. Sure enough, after the date, she talked about wanting to introduce them. It was entirely unlike her, or at least what he'd observed from her in the years after she had left Arlington and entered her nomadic lifestyle. This was serious.
Noah had been content to wait a few more days for his trip to see her, but when she suddenly dropped off without warning - at least before her date she had reminded him she'd be busy for the evening - he assumed the worst. Fortunately Peter was ready with a quick 'port to Central City, though he was unable to stick around while Noah started his search. He'd promised to pop back after his shift and help if she wasn't found. Fortunately that wouldn't be necessary. Claire had expressed concerns about Peter's empathic powers in the presence of Metas, and neither had the chance to explain it to Peter. Even going off what little he knew, Noah shared those concerns, as well as concerns about Sylar being able to acquire Meta-human powers.
Just piling on to the list of reasons he was here. First and foremost, though, he had to see Claire. He parked in the garage, then made his way inside and up to her door. With a breath to calm himself, he knocked.
A moment later, Claire's smiling face appeared as the door swung open. "Hi, Daddy!" She sounded just like she had on the phone - like she knew she was in trouble. But there was no stopping a grin from taking over her face.
"Hello, Clairebear," came his response, half a grumble, because he couldn't stay mad. Not when she looked so happy. She rushed into his arms and he caught her easily for a big hug, head tucked down to press a kiss into her hair. "Please don't ever scare me like that again."
"Sorry, Dad..." Claire looked up at him sheepishly. "We can explain, I promise!" She stepped back, and he followed her inside. Two pairs of shoes on the rug. It made sense; her text had said we're home. Had he moved in already, or was she just being concise? Her voice broke through his thoughts. "Dad... this is Barry. Barry, my dad."
He'd never seen her look at anyone like that before. Not Gretchen, not... that stupid boy who could fly, whatever his name was. Definitely not that scumbag quarterback. This was different. Noah stepped forward, offering a hand. "I've heard so much about you, I almost feel like I know you." He tried to make it sound light-hearted and friendly, not threatening. "It's nice to meet you, Barry. Call me Noah."
He held back his 'I told you so' when she told him about the bar fight, purely because when she described the attack, it wasn't something either of them could have foreseen, not even him with all his years in the field. Meta-humans were completely unfamiliar to him, and from what he'd been told, had the potential to be more even powerful than evolved humans. There wasn't much that scared him, but this certainly was unnerving, especially if Claire had found herself in their crosshairs so quickly.
She was shifty about the reasons why, which indicated that it was something important to her. He didn't press for too much in the way of details, instead letting her feed him the information however she was most comfortable doing so. It had taken years to adjust his communication style in this way, but considering how much his daughters trust in him had grown, it was worth the effort.
They'd been in regular communication, and she had seemed to be in especially high spirits after her date. Considering how private she had been about her love life since Gretchen, when Barry's name kept coming up, Noah paid attention. As far as he could tell, she was over the moon for this guy. Sure enough, after the date, she talked about wanting to introduce them. It was entirely unlike her, or at least what he'd observed from her in the years after she had left Arlington and entered her nomadic lifestyle. This was serious.
Noah had been content to wait a few more days for his trip to see her, but when she suddenly dropped off without warning - at least before her date she had reminded him she'd be busy for the evening - he assumed the worst. Fortunately Peter was ready with a quick 'port to Central City, though he was unable to stick around while Noah started his search. He'd promised to pop back after his shift and help if she wasn't found. Fortunately that wouldn't be necessary. Claire had expressed concerns about Peter's empathic powers in the presence of Metas, and neither had the chance to explain it to Peter. Even going off what little he knew, Noah shared those concerns, as well as concerns about Sylar being able to acquire Meta-human powers.
Just piling on to the list of reasons he was here. First and foremost, though, he had to see Claire. He parked in the garage, then made his way inside and up to her door. With a breath to calm himself, he knocked.
A moment later, Claire's smiling face appeared as the door swung open. "Hi, Daddy!" She sounded just like she had on the phone - like she knew she was in trouble. But there was no stopping a grin from taking over her face.
"Hello, Clairebear," came his response, half a grumble, because he couldn't stay mad. Not when she looked so happy. She rushed into his arms and he caught her easily for a big hug, head tucked down to press a kiss into her hair. "Please don't ever scare me like that again."
"Sorry, Dad..." Claire looked up at him sheepishly. "We can explain, I promise!" She stepped back, and he followed her inside. Two pairs of shoes on the rug. It made sense; her text had said we're home. Had he moved in already, or was she just being concise? Her voice broke through his thoughts. "Dad... this is Barry. Barry, my dad."
He'd never seen her look at anyone like that before. Not Gretchen, not... that stupid boy who could fly, whatever his name was. Definitely not that scumbag quarterback. This was different. Noah stepped forward, offering a hand. "I've heard so much about you, I almost feel like I know you." He tried to make it sound light-hearted and friendly, not threatening. "It's nice to meet you, Barry. Call me Noah."
Honestly? Claire can be too. XD
Date: 2025-09-09 11:29 pm (UTC)Knowing the only one faster was Thawne, that was a difficult thing to come to terms with. But he at least felt satisfied that she'd be safe from pretty much any other threat imaginable. Not just with Barry, but his team. She was surrounded by people who loved and cared for her. What more could a father ask for?
He shook Barry's hand with a warm smile, the other hand moving to fondly clap him on the shoulder. "You both deserve it, knowing what you've been through. I'm sure you're both hearing enough about how you should be careful until you get the all clear, so instead I'll just encourage you to enjoy a little off time. Soak it in."
Noah Bennet getting to be the Fun Dad? Wonders never cease. Even Claire looked a bit shocked as she got up and turned their handshake into a group hug. "Thanks, Dad," she said softly. "I'll keep you posted. And I'll let Mom know I'm okay, and apologize for freaking her out."
He put one arm around each of them. Barry seemed like a hugger, so at least that wasn't a concern. "At the risk of getting too sappy, I wasn't sure I'd ever get to experience this."
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Date: 2025-09-09 11:56 pm (UTC)They were both kids who'd lost their parents and yet had more parents than they knew what to do with now. More loving family than they could ever have hoped. Barry was getting emotional.
When Noah got Sappy, the laugh that escaped Barry was half a sob. "I'd started to think Ollie was right. That guys like us don't get a happy ending." Oliver's identity was public knowledge as the Green Arrow and the man was a pessimist.
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Date: 2025-09-10 12:16 am (UTC)Angela Petrelli had intended to keep Nathan's paternity a well-guarded secret, knowing the man's aspirations. The scandal of an illegitimate daughter could have ended his political career before it ever got truly started. Fate, it seemed, had other plans.
Well, it could be said that Claire had other plans, too. It was her persistence that had brought her to Meredith. There was plenty of happenstance, but his daughter's tenacity was equally as formidable, as far as he was concerned. She'd tempt fate at every opportunity, turn a situation from inevitable to obsolete.
"I know we just met, and maybe I'm a little biased, but I can't think of anyone more deserving." Noah gave them both an affectionate squeeze, then stepped back. No idea who Ollie was, but he didn't quite agree with the guy's assessment. It was guys like him who didn't get happy endings. Or, at least, didn't deserve them. His double-life wasn't to be a hero, no matter how noble his intentions might have been when he signed up as a Company agent. Barry was the real deal. Even Peter, for all his heroics, could learn a thing or two.
He smiled as Claire dabbed at her eyes, her other arm still slung around Barry's waist. "Anything you need, I'll do what I can. Both of you. If you both get a clean bill of health before I head back to DC, we can do dinner. My treat."
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Date: 2025-09-10 03:17 am (UTC)"Oh, hey," He pulled away from Claire in a gust of wind. Claire, do you keep paper and a pen around? Rather than search her entire apartment, he knew there would be some in the van. He was gone and back in a Flash and a whirl of wind. He held out a torn piece of paper to Noah with a phone number and address on it. "the number to STAR Labs. They know you're in town. Just, uh, call before you visit or you might cause a panic."
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Date: 2025-09-10 12:25 pm (UTC)"She's a thrill-seeker, our Claire," he said, amused. "We went zip-lining, and I watched her go paragliding in Hawaii. One extreme sport was enough for me, I wanted to enjoy the beach."
That gust of wind was customary in Noah's experience with speedsters, but even this small display of Barry's speed was enough to get an first-hand idea of just how differently it worked for Meta-humans, compared to evolved humans. There was no Speed Force for evolved humans. He almost wanted to see Peter try and stop time, while Barry ran circles around him. Even Sylar... the man was a telekinetic prodigy, had as many powers as some people did apps on their smartphones, but he'd be powerless against The Flash.
Claire didn't just pick a good one, she picked the best one.
Noah took the slip of paper with a wider smile than ever. "Will do. Now the next time Claire drops off, I can call the lab before I round up the search party. But I'd like to stop by and meet everyone too, so thank you."
"Babe, I own pens and paper, you know. You're supposed to be taking it easy with your speed." There was more concern than any real sense of annoyance in Claire's voice.
But speaking of concern, Noah had one more thing he was worried about. "If you were planning to have your mother visit, it might be better to go to her. I know she can handle herself, but with the extra risks here..." He didn't think he had to elaborate. Claire's face confirmed it.
"Good call. Besides, Barry has to meet Mr. Muggles, you and I both know he hates flying." No doubt she was putting on that brave face again.
But now all the most pressing things were out of the way, and so Noah finally headed toward the door. "Remember what I said. Don't forget to stop and enjoy this." He had a feeling that it was the calm before the storm as a relative outsider - it seemed likely they might sense it too. He just wanted them both to get the happiness they so clearly deserved. His little princess could have her fairy tale after all.
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Date: 2025-09-11 02:22 am (UTC)"Believe me, I've noticed and it worries me." He admitted. "Maybe running at super-speed will help with the adrenaline high while I can ensure she stays safe." He admitted.
"Of course! I know they're excited to meet you too. Claire spoke fondly of you and the team is eager to learn as well. Just give Harry a couple days before you visit. Cait has him on bed rest right now and he's hard enough to keep in one spot as it is."
Barry looked bashfully at her and smiled. "I wasn't sure and I wasn't gonna go through every drawer in the house. It would have taken seconds!" He joked. "Besides, I saved a whole train without issue. I think it's safe to say the issue is intermittent. And if I'd fallen on my face getting paper at 200 miles per hour, that would be my own fault. Better than running into a concrete wall at 700." He was taking all of this pretty well.
He looked up. "Mr. Muggles?"
She's taking over. XD (And I'll see if I did the comment settings right, lol.)
Date: 2025-09-11 11:46 am (UTC)The extreme sports activities were something of a compromise. She could still get that adrenaline rush, with far less risk. Most of those things had to be made safe for everyone else who didn't heal like her, so the chance of a mishap was practically zero compared to her more reckless thrill-seeking. She was prepared for Harry to still grumble about it, though.
Noah nodded, "I can wait a few days. Plenty to do on my end in the meantime. You two keep me posted. Claire, make sure Barry has my number." From his tone, she guessed he might have things he wanted to talk about without her. She would have expected that anyway. For once it didn't worry her.
She gave her dad one more hug before he left, then turned back to Barry. "Remember how I said my mom trains show dogs? Mr. Muggles is the one of the best dogs ever. He's retired from shows now, and getting up there in years, but he's as feisty as ever."
Stepping closer, Claire took both of his hands in hers. "You okay? I know we hit on some rough things with Dad."
Did it work?
Date: 2025-09-11 12:17 pm (UTC)"Awww! What kind a dog is he?"
Said in the same tone as you have a sister. He was the biggest pushover. Cute fluffy things were a weakness.Barry brought both of Claire's hands to his lips one at a time, kissing the backs of them. "I'll be okay. I was more prepared for the Thawne talk this time. What about you? Seemed like some of those topics were a little sensitive for you too."
It did!
Date: 2025-09-11 12:28 pm (UTC)No wonder Barry loved Claire, then."He's a Pomeranian! So a sassy little thing. But he can be a snuggler too, he loves his lap time."There was a smile as he kissed her hands, albeit a slightly sad one. "I'm... alright. Or I will be. Mostly I'm just glad he likes you. I knew he would, but seeing it? Ah, my heart is so full."
Yay! They must've FINALLY fixed it after all these years. XD
Date: 2025-09-11 01:00 pm (UTC)Barry pulled her in close and wrapped his arms around her tightly. "I'm glad he liked me too. I'm not sure what I would have done if he hadn't."
Yeah! I didn't get a notif for your first comment on the post but other than that now it's perf~
Date: 2025-09-11 01:09 pm (UTC)Thawne targeting her mom scared Claire more than just about anything. But for now she was doing her best to keep that fear under wraps.
She cuddled in close, resting her head against his chest as she got her arms around his middle. It would never get old, how happy and safe she felt whenever he had his arms around her. "He would've come around eventually," she assured him. "He'd have to. I'm not letting you go for anything."
I completely forgot he's living with Cisco rn. XD
Date: 2025-09-11 09:49 pm (UTC)Barry kissed her tenderly and rested his forehead against her. "I'm just glad we didn't have to find out." He would absolutely have fought for approval for her. "You're my everything."
omg the cutest roommates! how long until he moves in w/Claire? XD
Date: 2025-09-11 10:01 pm (UTC)The kiss made Claire relax even more, practically melting against him. Her grin turned into something more like a dreamy little smile. So. Smitten. "And you're my everything. I... I think that might be obvious to anyone who sees us together, actually."
She'll have to ask, because he hates to presume.
Date: 2025-09-11 10:15 pm (UTC)"I think you're right." Cisco kept humming Kiss the Girl from the Little Mermaid every time he'd talk about her before Cisco even met her.
oh it'll burst out of her sooner or later (probably sooner)
Date: 2025-09-11 10:21 pm (UTC)Just one more thing that would just be added to the pile of reasons she liked Cisco if she knew about it. That was her co-bestie, right there. "Y' know, I really did get myself all hyped up for our downtime but, now I almost don't even know what to do with myself."
Then he'll have his things in hand in a *Flash*.
Date: 2025-09-11 10:52 pm (UTC)"How about we spend our time snuggling and looking at puppy pictures?" His phone buzzed but he didn't pull away. He just freed up one hand to grab it and check the message. "Looks like Cisco's in the parking lot getting the van. He says Cait and Jesse are still working on the antidote. He wants to know if we need anything."
"in a Flash" will never get old for her tbh.
Date: 2025-09-11 11:00 pm (UTC)It really was difficult to say no to that face of his. But also, it didn't seem right to deny him if he really wanted to put in the effort for her. She'd just find other ways to make it up to him.
Puppy pictures and snuggling sounded ideal. She was already getting started on the latter part, her head nestled against his chest. "I don't think so? Just tell him to be careful with all that broken glass. The windows all shattered, it's probably a mess."
Good, because it's his favourite pun. XD
Date: 2025-09-11 11:10 pm (UTC)Barry started walking them to the couch without untangling as he typed with his other hand on the phone at lightning speed. Unfortunately, it was then that the venom tripped him up and he fumbled, accidentally flinging his phone across the room. "Shit!"
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Date: 2025-09-11 11:20 pm (UTC)Claire disentangled herself from Barry so he could retrieve his phone. Her features darkened with a worried frown. "The venom again? If it's busted, I can text Cisco with mine."
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Date: 2025-09-11 11:41 pm (UTC)He finished texting Cisco, but at a human speed then flopped on the couch, mentioning for her to join him. "I'm fine. It's fine. Just a hiccup in my speed, is all. That's why we're taking it easy." It had been an hour or better since his tumble in the Speed Lab and he still had a cut, though it looked more like a cat scratch than a deep laceration. So it was affecting certain aspects of his powers differently.
"You. Me. Cuddles. And puppies. Or kittens. I'm down for either." He smiled.
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Date: 2025-09-11 11:48 pm (UTC)It was hard not to worry too much, but Barry had a point. This was exactly why they were taking these days off. At least the cut on his head had noticeably healed - that made her feel better. She joined him on the couch, legs curled under her as she leaned into his side.
"I've always been more of a dog person. This is not gonna help my puppy fever, though," Claire laughed. Yeah, she was still thinking about getting one.
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Date: 2025-09-12 02:11 am (UTC)He lifted his arm and tucked her under it when she curled onto the couch, snuggling her close. "Is there a breed you prefer? Since your mom's a breeder, you might be particular." He would be happy with just adopting a mutt, but he hadn't grown up with show dogs.
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Date: 2025-09-12 11:50 am (UTC)It meant the world that Barry wanted to make sure she felt safe, though. That by itself helped more than she could say.
"Nah, I'm not too particular. Maybe more of a medium to larger size breed than Muggles? Or... whatever lovable mutt picks me when I go to the shelter again. I like to volunteer there, but I wanted to wait until I felt more settled to adopt." Translation: until she felt less like she was going to change her mind and start running again. She wasn't having to fight those feelings as much anymore. "I don't think I can get much more settled than this," she added, laughing softly.
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Date: 2025-09-13 05:45 am (UTC)That she didn't have a breed in mind made it easier. It meant they could just organically find let one fall into their laps. He liked the idea of getting a rescue. And it just now occurred to him that he was thinking of adopting a dog with her. His cheeks flushed and he ducked his head to hide his face. She was talking about being settled and he was just being a disaster.
He'd had his own place for a while, until Iris moved out of Joe's. Then Joe started moping about and Barry eagerly moved back in to keep him company. But now that Wally was there, it was cramped again, so he was bunking with Cisco and helping him pay rent. Adopting a dog with his girlfriend wasn't a wise decision just yet. Right?
"At least now that you know my secret, I don't have to worry about your puppy recognising my scent as The Flash any more."
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Date: 2025-09-13 01:52 pm (UTC)The way he ducked his head didn't escape her notice, though. She wondered what that might be about. Was it the puppy talk? Or maybe the talk of her being settled and how much these next few days of off time were really going to seem like he'd all but moved in with her. The conversation from that morning with Harry suddenly popped into her head, how he thought her asking about Meta and evolved human compatibility was to have kids.
Barry was already blushing, so she decided not to mention that right now. Even if it had been really funny. It felt like one of those things that would be even funnier down the line, though.
"That's true. Ideally my dog will like you as much as they like me; they'd probably blow your cover pretty quick." More like their dog, but she didn't say that. "And, because I realize now I didn't say it earlier, it was so cool to get to see you suited up."
So cool was kind of an understatement, actually. She couldn't put into words just how proud and in love she was.
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