You Bring Out The Worst In Me~

[nevergetshome]

It had been some time ago that Thawne had gotten the results of Claire's blood. He messaged her and to his surprise the text kicked back. A phone call told him the number had been disconnected. It only took a little bit of research with Gideon to get her address from this time period only to find out she'd moved. Recently. And where had she moved to? Of all places in the world but Central City. The hometown of his foe. A place he spent fifteen years of his life. It was time to visit his old rival.

Silent observation was key. He kept his distance, but immediately, he felt something interesting. Barry Allen was having trouble handling the Speed Force. The fumbles were small, but enough that he could feel them when Barry faltered. Ahh, so this was around his encounter with the Chameleon. That made sense. What drove a dagger into his heart though was to see Barry Allen and Claire Bennet together. After he'd shared everything with her. Told her how Barry ruined his life. Even if he never said Allen's name, he called him the Flash, and she clearly knew who he was. How could she betray him?!

Just one more reason to hate Barry. One more thing Barry stole from him. One more reason to destroy The Flash. He'd have to teach them both a lesson.

There was a knock at Noah's hotel door. Harrison was standing politely on the other side, waiting for Noah to answer.

Comments

[infinite1ups]

The current situation was reaching Claire that she could be more apprehensive about rushing into a permanent death - the way she's thrown herself into looking for answers would be proof enough of that. But she'd like to think that if it truly became unavoidable, she would go toward it bravely, and hopefully it would save at least one other person. Until that point, she was fighting as hard as she could to save herself.

Like Harry, though, she wouldn't want anyone to sacrifice themselves for her. It wouldn't come to that, she was certain of it. She wasn't alone, they all were doing whatever it took. Just as she would for any of them - she reminded herself it went both ways so she didn't tear herself apart with guilt that so many people were giving so much to save her.

"I don't see it as oversharing at all. You're honest and wholly yourself. I never have to guess where I stand with you, and if there are problems, we can always talk it out." Which certainly hinted at some of her romantic past, particularly from the last few years on the road. It also was doing wonders to ease her mind with the whole timeline thing.

Her head tilted slightly as he kissed her neck, shoulders relaxing with a sigh. "I'll try not to fight everyone." And then, clearly cheeky and teasing, "Just the ones I'm pretty sure I could take."

[feelthelightning]

None of them would let her walk into her death. Especially not Barry. Like Claire, Harry and Barry had strong self-sacrificing tendencies. Both would fight her death tooth and nail.

Barry buries his face in her shoulder for a moment. "I'm glad you told me about your powers. About everything. It... made it easier for me to tell you about The Flash. Which is what makes it easy to be completely transparent with you. My life as The Flash ruined two of my relationships already. Because I couldn't be honest." Patty had given him an ultimatum. He'd wanted to tell her, but it had put her in danger just being near him. Knowing he was The Flash would've made it worse. She was safer and better off away from him.

Her teasing made him chuckle and he lifted his head back up to rest his chin on her shoulder again. "My Hero."

[infinite1ups]

"I would never have kept that from you. Once it became pretty obvious how serious we are about each other I had to tell you as soon as I could. I wanted you to hear it from me." Claire briefly rested her hand over his arm where he had it around her, and gave a squeeze. She also couldn't help but laugh a little. "It was hard not to tell you the day we met, to be honest. By our first date, I just couldn't keep anything from you anymore. I like it that way, though. For so many years I was afraid to get close, mostly because I didn't want someone to be at risk just from knowing me. I hate that we're both in danger, and I especially hate knowing how much you've suffered, but... our experiences are so similar, it's like I found the one person who can truly understand. I'm so thankful for you, babe."

She would've understood completely if he'd walked away after she told him about Thawne. It would have devastated her, but Barry would've been well within his rights to lose trust. Every day since, she was grateful he had been willing to hear her out.

"And hey, I've never met this Julian guy, but I could probably get a good shot in on him if he gives you too much trouble." Claire giggled. "No one even has to know it was me."

[feelthelightning]

"I'm so thankful for you too, sweetheart." His heart rate spiked a little more, a bit of a flutter, as he held her. "We're both dangerous people to be around for similar reasons."

If it came down to leaving her to save her life... he'd do it. He'd have to. Because he loved her too much. And that thought hurt as much as anything.

"Julian Albert is..." Barry huffed. "I just hate him. He's so condescending and scathing and frustrating to be around! Think Draco Malfoy. But instead of hating mixed heritage, he hates Metas. He went on a rant about The Flash being a bad influence. How he makes the PD weak and how they just don't know how to do their job without him anymore and what if he decided to take over the city? No one would stop him. And..." Barry took a breath and let it out slowly. "...sorry." Rant over.

[infinite1ups]

Despite having suggested it herself when discussing Thawne finding out about her betrayal, Claire would absolute hate the idea of Barry leaving to keep her safe. Just like everyone else working to save her, she'd do whatever was necessary to keep them together. That was just what you did when you loved someone, especially a once in a lifetime love like theirs.

Barry's huff was too adorable, but she held back her giggles and let him rant. Nothing he said made her want to kick Julian Albert in the shins any less. Maybe slash his tires. Nothing lethal, of course, just enough to annoy him and maybe ruin his day.

"He sounds like an idiot. The Flash is an excellent example of doing what you can to help others, and keeping each other safe by whatever means we're able to. If he thinks thatbmakes him look bad, maybe he needs to do better." She leaned her head back against Barry's chest with a sigh. "You don't have to apologize, darlin'."

[feelthelightning]

Barry smiled. Her unwavering support was wholesome. Julian seemed to have a chip on his shoulder and Barry couldn't figure out what it was. He hated Barry and that made it hard for him to even try to figure the other man out because he was guarded around him.

"He... yeah. I dunno if I'd say The Flash is an excellent example, but I try. I make mistakes, just like everyone else." And he beat himself up over them almost more than others blamed him for them.

[infinite1ups]

"Being an excellent example doesn't have to mean perfect. Making mistakes is fine, what matters is owning up to and learning from it." Which was, admittedly, something Claire was still working on, too. She also tended to beat herself up about her mistakes.

"I don't know what the hell Julian's problem is, but he sounds like a bitter loser. Some people just like tearing down the accomplishments of others because it makes them feel better about themselves." They could also be endlessly hateful toward people they didn't understand, like Metas. And once Julian found out about them, Evos.

"The Flash is good, and so are you. Nothing he says can change that. I think you're perfect."

[feelthelightning]

"...he's scared. People fear what they don't understand. And different people react to fear differently. Some hide, some stand up to it, some blame it for being different." Barry said softly, like he'd just realised this, thanks to Claire. "We, we're used to dealing with the unexplainable all the time. We know how to cope. I'd be willing to bet, he's just afraid."

Barry tipped his head up and pulled away so he could turn he away from the stove for a moment. He leaned in, cupping her face in both hands, kissing her softly. When he broke the slow kiss, he spoke a breath away from her lips. "Your opinion is the only one that matters."

[infinite1ups]

Her hands went to Barry's sides as he kissed her, and she was all too happy to stay tucked in close. She bumped her nose against his with a giddy smile.

"That's entirely possible. Maybe if he gets used to this stuff, he'll come around. But if not--" Claire stole another kiss, "If he doesn't come around, and he keeps being a jerk, it's not your fault. You can always come home and complain about him to me, and I'll just keep loving on your perfect self."

A quiet, excited squeak slipped out before she could stop herself, and her cheeks flushed pink. "Sorry, I-- it's just so nice every time, thinking about us living together and you coming home to me."

[feelthelightning]

Barry melted into her. "Don't apologise! It gives me butterflies too!" If Julian didn't come around, Claire had his back. And no matter what, he had her to come home to. It was an amazing feeling! One he couldn't begin to describe!

[infinite1ups]

"Good. I think my favorite part... might be getting to sleep next to you every night." Claire's blush deepened, and she hugged him tight, nuzzling into his chest. It was a little wild to her, considering when she met Barry, she was barely sleeping more than a few hours every few days.

[feelthelightning]

Barry stroked his fingers through her hair and held her close. He was so glad he could be a comforting place for her to rest. "I'm just glad you love to cuddle as much as I do."

[infinite1ups]

"Hard not to when it's so good with you," she teased, grinning up at him. "I've always been pretty affectionate, but now you really turned me into a cuddlebug."

But she did reluctantly pull away, worried the pasta might boil over. Fortunately, it all looked done. "I was gonna start the brownies, but this smells too good to wait and my tummy is grumbling."

She half expected the table to be set by the time she drained the pasta. As much as she liked and was used to doing things herself... it was sweet that Barry wanted to help her. And she just couldn't say no to that face.

[feelthelightning]

"You're my favourite cuddlebug." He knew she needed to pull away to finish dinner, but he'd been reluctant. "We can work on the brownies after dinner."

Not only was the table set on a flash, he'd poured them both iced tea that he'd brewed for her earlier from a pitcher in the fridge. He also darted around and found the candle he'd brought from his place, lit it with a spark, leaving it in the centre of the table.

Once she finished draining the pasta, it would disappear from her hands. In the blink of an eye, Barry had dished out the spaghetti, sauce, and meatballs equally between their plates so everything was ready for her at the table. When the speedster came to a stop, he was standing behind a chair he'd pulled out for Claire.

[infinite1ups]

Yep, there he went. Claire barely had time to let out a giggle or two before he was finished. She shuffled over to her chair, leaning up for a kiss before she sat down.

"A candlelit dinner? You really know how to make every day special." She told Thawne she hated that word, but it felt appropriate here. As with most things so far, Barry was the exception. "I could get used to this routine of clingy bear cooking and speedy table setting."

[feelthelightning]

"Well, I can be your clingy Koala-Barry every time you cook and then speed set the table for you on the regular. It can be our routine." He said with a playful smile and dropped another kiss on top of her head then took his own seat. "I want you to know how happy you make me. And I'll show you that every day I can."

[infinite1ups]

"My Koala-Barry," she practically squealed. "That's adorable. How are you the cutest person I've ever met? Everything you do or say, I'm just more in love with you."

She didn't waste much time digging into her spaghetti. Not bad for a quick meal. "You make me the happiest, always. Even when things are hard I'm better with you by my side."

Claire-y Pie! Like Cherry pie! Why did that take me so long?

[feelthelightning]

"I think you're confused. Because you're the most adorable person I've ever met. And I've met myself. Three times, actually." He started counting off on his fingers, "Once as a child, once when I made a time remnant of myself, once in the past to get the speed equation from Dr. Wells... oh, wait! Four times! I met myself on Earth-2! You think I'm a nerd... he's somehow worse." Barry laughed. He wasn't counting the vision of himself the Speed Force made of him to catch. "Either way, you're the sweetest, most adorable person I know." Then he grinned stupidly. "Sweet as cherry pie. My Claire-y Pie."

He took that giddy thought and started on his dinner a bit too quickly. He'd done a lot of running today and not enough eating. He was famished!

Good things take time! It's SO cute. He can also use Cuddlebug, he gets that own for free. XD

[infinite1ups]

"I can't imagine there'd be a version of you I don't like." In Claire's mind, multiple Barrys couldn't possibly be a bad thing. Okay, except for in Cisco's Vibe, but that was different. She was intrigued by the description of Earth-2 Barry, wondering what exactly made him so nerdy. And once again she found herself wondering if there was a Claire Bennet on Earth-2.

"I love it. Claire-y Pie," she repeated, smiling from ear to ear. And then, she had to tease, "Might let you take a bite, just don't stick a fork in me."

She ate a little more slowly, eyeing Barry thoughtfully. Adoringly. "Y'know, since we've been doing everything else fast, maybe it's not too soon to say that I wanna marry you someday."

He's def gonna keep using Cuddlebug too! Also, the foreshadowing!

[feelthelightning]

"I mean, there are endless Earths out there in the Multiverse. There's bound to be at least one where I'm some evil supervillain." He laughed, only joking, mostly. He couldn't imagine himself ever going dark side for any reason. But then again, Zoom had been so similar to him. Except his father really did murder his mother in front of him. Then his extended family didn't want him, so he went to an orphanage. Would he have turned out like Zoom if that had been the case? Zoom seemed to think so. But Barry didn't. He kept his darkness locked up tight. He wouldn't let Thawne or Zoom or whomever this God of Speed was get to him. ...he was thinking too hard.

Her words hit him and blasted away all those dark thoughts with her blinding light. "I... I would like that too." He almost sounded dreamy. "Claire Bennet, are you proposing to me?"

I quietly cackled to myself as I wrote that foreshadowing. XD

[infinite1ups]

"And maybe there's another me out there, helping you be better," Claire returned, her voice soft though she was wholly serious. Or maybe they were evil together, but she didn't say that part out loud. She just loved Barry so much, she couldn't imagine a world in which she didn't. She couldn't imagine not wanting to do everything possible to make him happy. To be the light in the darkness that he was for her.

The question caught her off guard, despite her being the one to bring it up. She blushed, biting her lip with a shy smile. Was she proposing? Not officially. "I-- I, uh, don't wanna steal your thunder if you ever had plans to..." She stumbled through the words yet she meant every syllable. Had he thought about it?

"Unless you want me to be proposing." Claire sat up a little straighter in her chair. "Then I totally will."

XD

[feelthelightning]

"Maybe there is." He said with a smile.

"I want you to propose. But, I also want to propose. I've... been... so, look, it's not ready, but I had Cisco helping me with something. I... he plays the piano. It's stupid. Like... really, really cheesy. And I don't have a ring yet because I wasn't sure you wanted to. But the idea has been bouncing around in my head the past week in our downtime. So, I... God, this is embarrassing. I wrote lyrics and was gonna have Cisco record a simple piano tune for me." Boy did he look flustered.

[infinite1ups]

"There's no rule against mutual proposing," she began, shrugging, then took in the rest of what he was saying. Somehow he managed to get even more adorable. He might have been flustered and embarrassed, but she was blushing up a storm in her own right.

"You mean to tell me, on top of everything else about you, that you sing, too? You really are perfect, Barry Allen." She'd actually stopped eating, stunned as she was. Her smile was so bright it might rival the sun, at this point. "It's not stupid. Maybe it's cheesy, but we've already established from day one that I like cheesy. And now you know I'd marry you in a heartbeat. Gosh, I almost feel like a Disney princess. I really got myself a Prince Charming."

There was no way in Hell I wasn't using that song.

[feelthelightning]

"Then..." He held up a finger to indicate she give him a minute. And that's all he'd need. In a gust of wind that blew out the candle, he was gone. He was only gone about thirty seconds before he was back in a flash, relighting the candle with a spark. He set Cisco's laptop down on the table beside their plates and queued up the instrumental. He held a small silver case in his palm.

"This is the ring my great grandfather bought for my great grandmother while he was stationed in England during World War II. My grand dad proposed with it and so did my dad." He kept the box closed for now and pressed play on the audio file.

"Can't say how the days will unfold..." He sang. And by the end he lowered himself to one knee and opened the silver box. Inside was a silver ring with three diamonds. The two on the outside were smaller than the one in the middle. It was elegant, and well kept.

"Claire Bennet, my sweet Claire-y Pie," he smiled playfully. "will you be the guiding light I run home to every time I run; the reason I always find my way back and marry me?"

It works just as well for them so why not!

[infinite1ups]

Maybe she should have expected it to happen this fast, given how fast everything else had been happening. But Claire sat in stunned silence anyway as Barry came back with nor just his laptop but... Oh.

He actually had a ring. A priceless family heirloom, as he explained. She felt a lump in her throat before he sang a note, and when he did, the waterworks started up. His voice was beautiful, the ring was beautiful, his proposal was beautiful.

"Yes," was all she could get out at first, half-falling out of her chair to throw her arms around him. She was crying, she couldn't help it, but it was all tears of joy. "My Pikachu, my Bear. There was never any doubt. Of course I'll marry you, Barry Allen."