#does not care. he actually got rid of the taser. or maybe he gave it to roxy I don't know. but he doesn't even have one anymore

[monty-glasses-roxy]

Was thinking again about Montceratops earlier and how fucking Normal it would be for Roxy to have found another fucking missing animatronic by that point. Like okay cool. Another one. This one is how old??? Aight... okay then. That's a new record I think...

Roxy and Cassie's dad asking for help for Montceratops at this point is like "let me guess. Roxy found a new friend." and it's not even a question. They don't have any idea what the fuck she's found this time but they see Cassie's dad walk in like "hey so uh. You wanna maybe prep the cylinder?" for the very first time asking the other techs for help and they just fucking know Roxy's found some old fucked up lil guy in the god knows where lmao

They learned from the dinosaurs, the chicken, the duck, the Eclipse and the fucking herd of horses that Roxy wasn't gonna get in real trouble for any of this shit. At this point? Yeah they might as well-WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT'S A FUCKING DINOMONTY?! WHAT THE FUCK????

[backtothestart02]

Fallen Star - 13/? | westallen fanfiction

A/N: It’s on the verge of getting so juicy near the end here. I hope you enjoy!

*Many thanks to @valeriemperez for beta’ing.

Tagging @itzvickilou @barryslightningrod

...

Chapter 13 -

Barry woke up from a four-hour “power” nap sometime in the early afternoon. It wasn’t a pleasant wake-up call, because it was accompanied with the grizzly voice often emanating from his pseudo father, Joe West.

“Bear! Open this door right now!”

Barry grumbled and tumbled out of bed, then summoned the little willpower he had left to speed to the door and let him inside.

Joe saw the look of him, hair in all directions, a blue tee, boxers and tall, white socks with squinty eyes and put the situation together. He relaxed and walked through the door, shutting it behind him. He paused to hug him.

“Thank goodness you’re all right.”

“I – Of course, I’m all right. What did you-”

Joe moved into the kitchen, where he started inspecting the contents of the refrigerator.

“When I didn’t see you come in today, I asked Singh what was up, and he said you had called in sick.”

Barry’s brows furrowed. “Yeah. And?”

Joe lifted his head from the fridge and looked across the way to him.

“You never call in sick. You’re incapable of being sick ever since you got your speed. I knew something had to be up.”

Barry thought about that.

“Well, technically, I can still get sick. My body just fights it off really fa-”

“Yeah, whatever.”

Joe brushed it off and inspected the dishwasher. Barry followed him and closed the refrigerator on his way. He started to close the appliance before Joe seemed to be finished with it.

“Can I help you find something, Joe?”

“What?” He spun around. “Um, no, I just… BARRY, CAN YOU HEAR ME IN THERE?” He yelled at his face.

Barry plugged his ears and shook his head.

“I’m right here, Joe. No need to shout.”

“Hmm. I’ll have to test this somehow.”

Barry’s eyes widened. “Test what?”

“What’s your favorite color?” He interrogated, folding his arms across his chest.

“Red,” Barry said instantly.

“Hmm. Quick. Maybe…too quick.”

Barry looked at him incredulously.

“Joe, what the hell is going on? What are you-”

“Who’s the love of your life?” he demanded.

Barry’s lips parted, then his shoulders slumped, and his face fell. He didn’t know what was up with the elder West, but the last thing he wanted was to talk about Iris right now.

“You know who, Joe,” he said softly, resigned, as he moved past him and sat on the couch, propping his legs on the coffee table in front of him.

“You really are Barry,” Joe said. Barry didn’t bother with an incredulous look this time. There had obviously been some sort of misunderstanding but bringing up Iris reminded him of what had happened that morning, and that made him sadder than ever.

“Who did you think I was, Joe?” he asked, pressing his fingers to his wrinkled forehead, a headache suddenly brewing.

Joe shrugged and sat beside him.

“It wouldn’t be the first time someone had ‘called in sick’ only to really have been abducted, and the kidnapper was pretending to be them so nothing would seem amiss.”

Barry turned to look at him.

“And that was your first conclusion when I didn’t come in today?”

He nodded.

“What about Iris?”

“Oh, I haven’t talked to her today.” He turned suddenly towards him. “Why? Do you think she’s in trouble?” he asked hastily.

Barry shook his head. “Not what I meant, and no. She was only too eager to get rid of me this morning and hurry off to work. She said it was to let Linda in, who was at CCPN at an ungodly hour, but I highly doubt that would’ve caused such enthusiasm in her.”

“Wait, wait, wait. Iris was here?”

Oh.

“Uh…yeah…about that…”

“Are you back together?” he asked, hopefully.

I wish.

“No.”

“Oh.” Now Joe’s shoulders slumped.

“Trust me, I would not look so…depressed if that were the case. I would actually be smiling.”

“Well, why are you depressed?” Barry gave him a look. “Besides the obvious.” He paused, then hedged, “Why did Iris come over this morning?”

Barry sighed loudly. “She wanted me to walk her to work.”

His brows furrowed. “Walk her to work,” he repeated.

Barry nodded. “And visit her at lunch and come to STAR Labs later… She almost convinced me not to call in.”

Joe started to relax. “It sounds like she’s making an effort, trying to meet you halfway. Maybe she wants to-”

“Be friends. She said it herself.”

Joe softened. “Friends is better than nothing. Friends can turn into something more if you let it. It happened once between you two. It can happen again.”

“No, I know. She had me convinced. I actually got…happy.”

“Then what happened?”

“What happened is she got a call from Linda about letting her in the building, plus suddenly being busy after work became more important than rebooting our friendship.”

“Oh, son, I… Maybe Linda really was locked out at CCPN?”

Barry shrugged. “Maybe,” he allowed. “But her being too busy to come to STAR Labs after work two minutes after she’d told me she wanted us to go together, for the first time since we broke up?”

“You think she’s up to something dangerous?”

“I didn’t get that impression, but I suppose it’s possible.”

“Then why aren’t you more worried? Why didn’t you call me if-”

“Because I think it’s more possible that Linda talked her out of trying to be my friend again.”

“Why would she do that?”

“Hell, I don’t know. I just know that Linda is the only one who has come to Iris’ defense in the past months. She’s stuck by her, even though she knew she was recklessly running into these dangerous situations. Whether she approved of them or not is beside the point, because Iris trusts her implicitly. She’d probably do whatever she said, including cutting me out of her life.”

Joe sighed. “I think you and Iris are doing that well enough on your own. And you’re not giving Iris enough credit. She does what she wants to do, especially if she feels strongly about it. Not even Linda could sway her if what she wanted was to try to be friends with you again.”

“So basically, I’m screwed because I’m not a top priority for her.”

Joe didn’t know what to say to that, so he wrapped his arm around Barry and pulled him close.

“How about we do popcorn and a movie?”

“What- Here?”

Joe nodded.

“It’s two in the afternoon, Joe. Aren’t you still on duty?”

“Nah.” He kicked his shoes off. “I called in sick.”

Barry’s lips twitched and then spread into a full-on grin till he laughed.

And that, Joe decided, was his accomplishment.

…

Iris couldn’t stop gushing.

“You have no idea what this means to me, Lin. You honestly have no idea.”

Linda laughed and helped her friend with her shoulder bag.

“I think I do, given this is the fiftieth time you told me probably.”

Iris rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t stop smiling.

“A lead this big…my God.” She pulled her long locks out from the collar of her jacket and buttoned up. “Like, super big. Like I’ll never be able to repay you big.”

“I think a lifetime supply of coffee should do it.”

Iris laughed. “You’re on.” Linda laughed. “Seriously,” she said, and they smiled at each other.

Linda liked seeing Iris like this. So happy, so pumped about a story. The only time she’d seen her happier was when she first started dating Barry, and that made her feel guilty.

As soon as Iris explained herself on the phone early that morning, she knew Barry was about to become collateral damage. The whole thing could’ve been avoided if she hadn’t given Iris that pep talk on how to fight for her man just a couple minutes before the lead was emailed to her. As a fellow journalist though, she knew what it was like to get a good lead. It was thrilling; exciting. It got your blood pumping. The result of a good lead usually was a well-written story, and those sometimes changed lives. This one definitely would change Iris’. She was so excited for her friend.

But then there was Barry. Barry was so much a part of Iris in a way that he’d never been for her. Sure, she’d had a few weeks of dating the Flash, and they’d been great. She’d really liked him, and she knew he’d liked her too. But the connection – the love – between Barry and Iris surpassed anything she could’ve felt for him, no matter how long they dated. And Barry would never be able to choose her first. It would always be Iris.

She didn’t hold that against him, though. He’d done right and broke things off before acting on his feelings. And the way he’d helped her out with her evil doppelgänger last year? Plus, being the Flash? Nothing like being able to say you made out with the scarlet speedster superhero of Central City. Too bad she couldn’t write about that…if anyone cared to listen.

The rough part about the whole situation was that she was Team Iris, but she also liked and respected Barry and his alter ego. Her genuine appreciation for him hadn’t been tarnished when they broke up. And if anything, it had only increased when she learned he was the Flash. Was it fair for her to dismiss him like that when her first suggestion might’ve brought Iris and Barry back together and then they’d both be happy?

Linda looked at Iris and wondered if she should confide her fears and worries. There was no need. In the quiet moments – of which there hadn’t been many – there’d been a hesitancy in Iris’ gaze that told her loud and clear she regretted leaving Barry high and dry. Linda had heard him from his end of the line. He’d sounded so hopeful, and she’d just…

“Is there anything I’m forgetting?”

Linda blinked, pulling herself from her thoughts.

“Um, phone?”

“Check.”

“Recorder?”

“Check.”

“Notepad and pen?”

“Check.”

“Gun and bulletproof vest?”

There was a slight lilt to Linda’s voice, but she was only half-joking.

Iris rolled her eyes.

“No and no, Lin. Honestly?”

Linda shrugged. “A girl can dream.”

“You’re starting to sound like my dad and Barry.”

“I just want you to be safe, girl. I need you around.”

“I know. And I will be. I have a taser and pepper spray. That’s all the safety I need.”

Linda forced a smile. “Go get ‘em, girl.”

Iris smiled brilliantly and turned to leave. “Thanks!”

Linda watched her leave, all fire and spirit, and thought not for the first time, I sure hope you know what you’re doing.

…

It was late afternoon when Flash got his first summons to a crime in central city. Bank heist. Easy.

He took care of the two robbers and handled an almost car crash on his way back to STAR Labs. By the time he’d returned he was just about on cloud nine. Being the Flash did that to him, saving lives, using his speed.

“Nice job, my man,” Cisco said, wrapping his arm around him in a side hug. “Especially when you literally redirected traffic to prevent a car crash, saving I don’t know how many lives. At least three, Caitlin?” He asked, looking over at her across the way.

“At least three,” she said, grinning.

“We are mighty proud of you, ol’ buddy ol’ pal,” HR chuckled, coming into the room.

Cisco’s brows furrowed. “You weren’t even here for it.”

“Oh, but I knew,” he said, taking on the demeanor of an old wiseman. “I woke up from my nap and said to myself, Barry did it again!” He chuckled.

“I said that,” Cisco corrected. “You just overheard me.”

HR shrugged. “Potato, potahto.”

Barry shook his head and smiled. He looked over to the other side of the room where Joe, Iris, and Wally would usually be. Joe had been called in unexpectedly and Wally was visiting Jesse on Earth 2 again after the two days they’d been separated. Iris was…busy.

His smile faltered, and Cisco caught it immediately.

“No, no, no!” He stalked over to him.

Caitlin’s eyes widened at the volume of his voice. HR giggled with glee, but it was muffled by the coffee cup he seemed to forever be holding to his lips.

“You’re not going to think about it.” He pushed his finger against his best friend’s chest. “We’re not going to think about it.” He gestured wildly to the people behind him. “And I’m sure there will be other crimes to take your mind off-”

“Iris telling me she’d be here and then ditching me two seconds later?”

HR winced. “Ohh, boy, that’s a bummer. That is a bummer.”

Cisco and Caitlin glared.

“Go back to sleep, HR!” Cisco ordered.

“Don’t have to tell me twice,” he said, drinking more of his coffee as he went back down the hall. “Call me if you need me!”

“We won’t!” Cisco yelled back, his feathers fully ruffled by the filter-less Wells doppelgänger number three.

“Hey, Cisco, it’s okay. I don’t want you to…worry about me. I mean, worse things have happened than Iris not being at STAR Labs while I’m preventing routine crimes, right?”

“He’s right,” Caitlin added. “Remember that time metas got loose and were running rampant all over the city? Or the singularity that almost swallowed the city whole?”

Ronnie saved us from that, Barry thought to himself but decided not to bring up. The last thing Caitlin needed was to be reminded of her late husband dying a hero’s death when she’d never wanted him to be one.

A siren suddenly went off, saving them from another depressing comment and alerting them to a breaking and entering on the outskirts of the city simultaneously.

“Where is it?” Barry asked, walking over to the monitor.

“Out.” Cisco’s eyes widened. “Waaay out. Geez, I thought that building was abandoned. But if it’s got an alarm, I bet it has security cameras too. What is it used for…”

“Just tell me where, Cisco, and I’ll bring the guy in!”

“Or girl!” Caitlin added.

“Or girl,” Barry allowed. “Cisco?”

“Right. The outskirts. There’s a big field past the edge of the city near the lake, then about a dozen gray warehouses. The third one to your left just got broken into.”

“Thanks.”

A flash of red and yellow, and he was gone.

“You said there were security cameras?” Caitlin asked when Barry was gone.

“I said there might be,” Cisco said. “You don’t have a place that looks abandoned in the middle of nowhere but conveniently has an alarm system and yet there are no cameras.”

Caitlin didn’t need convincing.

“Well, if there are cameras, can you tap into them? It might show us who our culprit is and who Barry needs to look for if they’re not conveniently standing by the alarm that just went off.”

Cisco snapped his fingers.

“You’re right. You’re absolutely right.”

Within minutes, Cisco had hacked into the cameras and was scanning the last ten minutes from multiple monitors to see who might’ve attempted breaking in. He stopped the feed when he spotted who it was.

“Oh, my God. Are you seeing this?”

Caitlin couldn’t speak, only nodded.

“Barry,” Cisco spoke into the com. “Barry, are you there?”

But Barry wasn’t answering.

“Should we tell him?” Cisco asked. “Or tell Joe?”

Caitlin was still silent. “I…”

And at the scene of the crime, Barry wasn’t responding because he’d found the culprit. He was in disbelief, but there she stood across from him, frozen in her steps. They stared at each other, neither daring to move. Honestly, he didn’t know what he’d do if she tried to make a run for it. Would he stop her? Would he let her go?

His mind was a blank slate, then a mass of memories and curving cursive lines going every which way. He couldn’t think. He could hardly breathe.

Only one word slipped past his lips.

“Iris?”

...

*Also posted on AO3 and FFnet.