#westallen fairytale au

[backtothestart02]

The Other Night - 1/? | westallen fanfiction

A/N: Been plotting this since 9x01. I hope you enjoy!

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Synopsis: AU - It was the wedding of dreams. The last thing Iris expected was to find her childhood sweetheart across the hall from her, as smitten as he'd been the day he left her 10 years ago.

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Chapter 1 -

A limo arriving to pick her up from the airport was a first.

Iris knew the bride and groom were filthy rich, but still. It was an out-of-body experience seeing someone standing with a sign for her name as she exited the plane, who then walked with her to the baggage claim and then out to their waiting vehicle.

There was champagne inside and chocolate, even a single rose in the window.

She felt like she was floating in a fairytale.

And she was just her boss’s favorite employee who happened to get proposed to while they were out walking together.

“You were there for my biggest moment, Iris! Of course you’re invited to the wedding.”

Iris wasn’t one to turn down an event that allowed for her to go shopping for a new dress, so she accepted. Though her jaw was nearly on the floor when lobster or steak were the dinner options on the RSVP card, and there was no address on the card for the actual ceremony.

She called the number listed after dropping the RSVP card into the mail and found out to her continued shock that her young boss was heir to a fortune, as was her intended, and that on his side stood a mansion along the sea on the east coast, famous for its views and grandiose apartments inside. And all guests would be staying in the massive, beautiful establishment for an entire weekend.

You could come as early as Thursday and stay as late as Sunday, which was exactly Iris’ intention. Given her boss was the one getting married, she had no problem okaying her time off work for it.

But now, seated in this lavish limo, watching the landscape go by and inevitably turn into a large lot leading to the mansion, Iris wondered if she was dreaming.

The limo came to a stop, and the driver had walked around the vehicle and opened her door before she could stop staring out the window.

It was huge!

Pale brick siding, white-trimmed windows and doors, terraces, and a large garden beyond that she could see the beginnings of from the front, Iris could only so much as dream of ever even visiting a place as magnificent as this.

The front door opened and out strutted the bride-to-be, her boss, looking smug as ever and doing a little spin for her in her casual white pantsuit before walking towards her and embracing her.

“So, what do you think?”

Iris’ jaw was still on the floor.

“Sue. You’ve outdone yourself.”

She scoffed.

“Money is money, dear Iris. One day, when you own your own company, as I do, you’ll understand.”

Iris shook her head, but she didn’t reject the thought. It was a dream of hers, to spread her wings as a journalist and start her own empire. At just 28, it felt impossible, but then Sue had been 25 when she started hers.

With the assistance and support of her very rich parents, of course. But that was neither here nor there. Sue was an old soul, and someone Iris liked to call mentor and friend, as well as supervisor.

“Where’s Ralph?” Iris asked, looking into the entrance Sue had come out of, as if expecting him to suddenly appear.

“Oh. Don’t worry about him.” Sue waved that off. “He’s still in the city finishing up a case. He’ll be here in time for dinner though.”

Ralph was a P.I. He didn’t need to work at all with the money he was born into, but he enjoyed the work. He got a rush out of it, out of finding people’s secrets or tracking down missing people. Some things were odd about him, from the few times Iris had met the man, but he clearly adored Sue, and his proposal had been top-notch. Iris had no doubt they’d be happy together.

Sue looped her arm through Iris’ and signaled a nearby worker to take her things up to her room.

“Third floor, last one on the left,” she told him, then turned to Iris. “You’ll like that one. It has a terrace overlooking the garden and the pool.”

“The pool?” Iris’ eyes widened. “Isn’t it enough to be on the coast?”

Sue smirked.

“Come, let me show you around. When we’re done, I’ll let you get settled into your room and relax until dinner time.”

Iris indulged her with a smile.

“Lead the way.”

And so they spent the next half hour touring the premises. It was spellbinding. From the marble walls and floors, to the ballroom and the multiple lounges, the indoor pool and hot tub, the sauna, the massive kitchen and sun room, and the grand staircase, in front of which was someone dressed to the nines playing a grand piano, Iris felt like she was spinning.

That had only been the first floor.

The staircase was covered in a dark red carpeting that led to the second and third and fourth floors, enough bedrooms for all the guests, and views to sink you teeth into. There were multiple bathrooms on each floor and lounges as well, but the bedrooms were massive and included a bathroom too.

It was like a hotel. A really fancy, exquisite, five-star hotel.

“And this…is your room.”

They turned to the right, and only faintly Iris thought she heard alarm bells go off in her head, because wasn’t her room the last on the left?

Sue turned the knob and pushed the door open only to find the room already occupied, and the occupant having gotten their head banged when the door swung open towards him.

“Oh, shoot,” Sue said, and Iris would’ve shot her a look at her tone if she hadn’t been so surprised by the guest they’d run into.

“Barry?”

He took a step back, rubbing his forehead. He blinked a few times until his eyesight cleared, and he took in the ladies before him.

“Sue, I thought- Iris?”

“You two know each other?” Sue asked, sounding curious and innocent, both of which Iris knew the woman wasn’t. “I’ll leave you to it then.” She smiled smugly. “Oh, and Iris, it’s my bad. Your bedroom is to the left…right across the hall.” She switched her gaze to Barry. “Sorry for the bump, Bear-Bear.” She winked. “I’ll be downstairs if either of you need me.”

And with that she practically skipped in the other direction, making them watch until she waved cutely at the top of the staircase, and they turned back to each other.

“Bear-Bear?” Iris raised an eyebrow, and he knew she was thinking about how similar it was to the nickname she’d given him…when they were kids.

“Yeah, she’s been calling me that ever since I got here. Weird, right?” He laughed nervously.

“Mmm.”

She took him in, noticing how his hair was damp, possibly from a recent shower, but otherwise how his attire looked a nice, a striped polo and some khaki shorts, which she supposed fit the hot temperature outside. She wondered how long he’d been there, and which party had invited him to the wedding.

Also, how long Sue would try to be playing matchmaker when she knew Iris’ plus one would be coming the next day. That one night when they’d gone out for drinks, and she’d detailed to her the story of the one who had gotten away must’ve really stuck with her, much to her chagrin now.

She forced a smile.

“Well, I, uh…should probably go to my room and get settled, maybe take a shower, so I look nice for dinner.”

“You always look nice, Iris,” he said softly, making her cheeks burn.

“Right, well, I’m gonna go. I’ll see you then?”

“Sure.”

He nodded, and she turned away, looking back over her shoulder at him still standing there awkwardly when she opened the door to her room. She waved a little, and he waved back, then she stepped inside and closed the door behind her a little too quickly, hardly able to enjoy how magnificent her room looked with her heart pounding so loudly in her ears.

Barry Allen. The boy who had been her best friend since they were five, who stole her heart at 16 and never really gave it back, who moved away a month after they graduated high school, and who she’d never heard from again.

That Barry.

A full decade since she’d seen him, and now…he was right across the hall from her for a whole weekend in a gorgeous getaway mansion.

After Eddie showed up, she could forget about him entirely, but for tonight?

She took a deep breath and walked further into the room. She pushed open the glass door and stepped out onto the terrace. The view was breathtaking as expected, and she could almost imagine Barry two floors down on the lawn calling up to her like Romeo to his Juliet.

She blinked and the vision before her vanished, but her heart didn’t stop thumping away at wild speeds. If anything, it went faster and she started imagining other things.

“Fuck.”

She turned around and walked back into the bedroom, eyeing the huge king-sized canopy bed and recalling her recent fantasy and conversation with Barry across the hall.

“Fuck.”

[xswestallen]

CinderIris: chapter 15

WestAllen Cinderella AU

Summary: With his mother’s death looming, King Henry holds a ball and invites all the eligible maidens in the kingdom, hoping his son, Prince Barry, will finally find a bride. Iris West is a bar maiden, who would love to attend, but, she is very poor and can’t afford a nice dress or a ride to the castle.

First chapter

Previous chapter

Archive of Our Own version

A/N: Only one more chapter and an epilogue left! I hope this iconic moment, of Barry putting the slipper on Iris, lived up to expectations.

Looks of astonished fell on everyone’s face but Wally’s. He beamed in excitement as Iris descended the stairs, glass slipper sparking in the sunlight pouring in from the open door.

The guard leading the troop gasped. “I- I don’t believe it.”

“My name is Iris West and I am the maiden from ball.” Iris confessed with pride.

“Iris” An endearing voice repeated.

The crowd of guards parted as one from the back came closer. A tall, lanky man with soft hazel eyes that gazed at Iris, stepped past the group. He took off his helmet so that his face was no longer obstructed.

Several people gasped, Wally put his fist in his mouth, Joe stepped back clutching his chest, and Iris let out a cry of relief, upon seeing Prince Barry.

Iris couldn’t believe her eyes. “You’re alive!”

Barry looked back at her with equal awe. “You’re here!”

“I’m here.” Iris giggled.

They ran into each other’s arms. Barry kissed her just as he’d been dreaming of doing since the second they’d parted. The brush of his lips against hers made Iris feel like she was in the Palace garden again, sitting on the fountain’s edge.

Barry only ended the kiss because he desired to look Iris in her eyes. They exchanged playful grins and batted eyelashes. Time seemed to have halted, for when they broke apart, everyone was still locked in the same shocked position. Iris and Barry held onto one another, each afraid the other would be lost again.

“I was scared I’d never find you.” Barry whispered.

“I was scared you were dead.” Iris whimpered. A tear rolling down her face was wiped away by Barry’s nose when he nesselted against her cheek.

“I’m alright.” Barry assured her.

One of the guards cleared his throat, louding reminding the reunited couple they were not alone.

“Your Highness,” He said. “May I ask, what is going on?”

“Captain Singh told me a suspect in the robbery was claiming to be the girl I fell in love with. I had to see her, to see if it was true, so I went to the prison to meet her, only to walk in on a breakout.” The Prince explained.

Wally cringed. “Sorry about that.”

“In the fighting, the glass slipper that you’d left behind, that I’d treasured as it was my only connection to you, was broken.” Prince Barry continued. “I was beside myself. Then, I heard that you were the escapee. Thinking it my last hope of ever finding you, I put on a uniform and joined the Royal Guard in their chase.”

“You came after me?” Iris asked.

“Always.”

“Hold on,” Joe, who seemed to have gotten a better grip on himself, spoke up. “Iris, you’re telling me that you are the mystery girl from the Royal ball?”

“Yes.” Iris said.

“Why did you keep that a secret?”

“And, why did she run away in the first place?” A guard added.

Iris hung her head. “I am so sorry for all my secrecy. I never imagined that I’d meet Prince Barry at the ball, much less fall in love with him. The whole night was like a dream. A beautiful dream, but I knew I’d have to wake from it.”

Barry looked at her in confusions.

“Your Highness, I’m not a Princess, or a Duchess, or noblewoman, or even lady in waiting. I’m just a girl, who got fired from her job as a bar maiden, and who couldn’t afford a dress or a carriage for the ball, so I relied on the generosity of some new friends. When it was time to give back all of the glamour they’d lent me, I ran away. I was a girl playing dress up, scared of being seen as who I truly am.”

“Why didn’t you come forward when the Palace announced the search party looking for you?” Joe asked.

“When I heard people talking about how poised and beautiful the mystery girl was, I doubted anyone would believe it was me.” Iris said earnestly. “I was going to wait till I was asked to try on the slipper, because that would be proof. But, the search was called off before I got the chance.”

“What about the robbery? Why had you arrived at the Palace with the Snarts?” A guard demanded.

“I wanted to go to the second ball, but didn’t have the help of friends to get me there. So, when I caught Leonard Snart and his gang stealing carriages, I used it as blackmail to get them to take me to the Palace for the second ball.” Iris admitted. “I had no idea they were planning a robbery. Please, believe me. I was wrong to trust them. I should have turned them over to the guards instead of thinking I could use them. It was foolish.”

Iris could no longer look at Barry, she felt too ashamed. But, he cupped her face and pressed his forehead against hers.

“I’m so sorry.” Iris apologized. “I was desperate for any way to see you again.”

“It’s alright.” Barry whispered. “I was desperate to see you too.”

“What about the prison break?” The lead guard huffed.

“That was all my fault.” Wally insisted. “Iris had nothing to do with it. I snuck into the prison to break her out. It was all me.”

Iris shook her head furiously. “NO! Please don’t blame Wally, he was only trying to help me. I’m at fault for going along with it. I did so because I heard the guards talking about how the Prince had been gravely injured during the robbery. I believed you dead.”

Barry squeezed her hand. “I am right here.”

“But, what about-” The lead guard began.

“None of that matters now.” Prince Barry asserted, silencing him. “All that matters,” Barry traced his fingers across the glass slipper. “Is this.”

He walked hand in hand with Iris to a chair. She sat down and handed him the glass slipper. Barry got down on bended knee. He guided Iris’ foot into glass slipper. It fit perfectly.

The crowd watched with wide eyes, but Barry and Iris only looked at each other.

“Iris” Barry breathed.

“The last time you placed my glass slipper on me was that night at the ball.” Iris remembered, looking down at him and her shoe. “I fell more in love with you in each second we spent together. I ran from you at the end of the night, but I couldn’t run from the way you made me feel. Ever since that night, I have not been able to stop thinking about you.”

“I’ve never stopped thinking about you.”

Barry surged up to kiss her. He wanted to show her how much he’d longed for her, every hour, every minute.

[liquidheartbeatz]

Really wanna write a story where Iris is a naive, completely socially awkward Princess who comes over to America to escape her royal duties and falls in love with her disgruntled chauffeur (cause even escaped Royals have chauffeurs) named Barry who’s pleasantly surprised that everything he heard about Iris West is far from the truth. 

[westallenfun]

Diamonds at Jitters - 1/1

WestAllen secret santa gift 

From: @backtothestart02

For: @lyta2323

Note: I hope you enjoy! I hinted at it in parts, but this is a sequel to my fic, Love at Jitters, if you haven’t read it.

Synopsis: College!AU - It’s Christmas Eve. Barry has a special surprise for Iris.

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The snow fell light and fluffy outside Iris’ window, signifying winter had finally come to Central City. And on Christmas Eve no less.

She had a date with Barry later – they’d managed to squeeze an hour into their calendars for just the two of them amidst family gatherings where they showed up part of the time for both their families and extended families. Iris couldn’t explain why, but she was unspeakably nervous. Not that there was anything to be nervous about, but still. It had been 10 and a half months since their first impromptu date. They’d been through a lot – Iris’ birthday, meeting the parents, Iris’ brother, Barry’s idol, their best friends/roommates, a handful of not-very-serious arguments, and probably the most passionate sex Iris had ever been party to.

But Christmas. Christmas felt big.

Iris’ phone buzzed on her vanity where she stood applying her make-up and making sure this pair of earrings was truly the one for this particular short-sleeved, black velvet dress with matching heels.

Seeing the name, she smiled, and hit the answer button and then the speaker.

“Hey, Lin. What’s up?”

“You sound happy,” Linda Park said, cheeky as ever.

“It’s Christmas Eve. What would I have to be unhappy about? It’s my favorite holiday. And-”

“You’re hoping Barry goes down on bended knee.”

Iris nearly choked on her own breath.

“W-What?” she wheezed.

“Aha! I knew it!” Linda cheered.

“You don’t know anything,” Iris said, trying to get herself focused again now that her lipstick had been drawn in a crooked line across the bottom of her cheek. “Barry is not proposing tonight.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I do know that. We’re having a romantic dinner just the two of us, and then we’re going to his side of the family and then mine tomorrow.”

“So. Just the two of you, huh?”

Iris sighed and rolled her eyes. There was no stopping her best friend when she got ahead of herself.

“What are you doing tonight? Are you getting together with Peter again?”

She gagged through the phone.

“I guess that’s a no.”

“That’s an ‘oh, God, no’.”

“Did something happen? I thought you really liked him.”

“Uh-uh. My body liked his body.”

“Ah.”

“Once he started talking about his life and his job and his passions…oh, my god, I couldn’t stand it.”

Iris chuckled to herself.

“So, what are you doing then?” There was a moment of silence. “Lin?”

“Hmm? Oh, um… you know…”

“Don’t tell me you’re spending Christmas Eve alone.”

“What?” she squeaked. “No way. I’m a party animal, you know that.”

“Oh, yeah? So whose party are you going to?”

“Well, now nobody’s, since the biggest party of the year Peter will be at.” She frowned, disappointed in the predicament she’d created for herself.

“I can cancel,” Iris started to say, but even as she did, she was glad Linda cut her off with a negative. Despite the weird nerves she had, she was really looking forward to seeing Barry tonight and exchanging gifts. She didn’t want to cancel.

“No. You are not canceling. No way in hell am I gonna let you miss your own proposal.”

Iris rolled her eyes, but she was smiling.

“Okay, so what are you going to do then? I can’t have my best friend all alone on Christmas Eve. Single shouldn’t mean solitary confinement.”

Linda blew locks out of her face.

“Don’t you have a brother?”

Iris brows narrowed. “Linda, no.”

“I’m not gonna sleep with him,” she said, appalled.

“Good,” Iris said. “He’s practically a baby. And he just got out of a serious relationship.”

“How serious could it be if they’re still teenagers?”

The silent tension could be cut with a knife.

“Okay, okay…just thought he could use some company. Like, the platonic kind. Maybe ice skating? I used to do that with my brother back home.”

Iris was skeptical but finally reluctantly agreed.

“I’ll give him a call.”

“Great! Maybe I can get him to drink the spicy hot cocoa they have at the rink this year. I bet it’ll blow his mind.”

“He doesn’t like spicy food.”

“Even better.”

Iris’ wariness increased tenfold.

“Relax,” Linda said. “I’ll bring him back in one piece and untouched. You have my word.”

With everything inside her, Iris really wanted to believe her best friend.

“I’ll talk to you later, Lin.”

“Later, Babe.”

Click.

Trying to put the image of her player of a best friend and her sweetheart of an 18-year-old baby brother aside, Iris nearly jumped when the phone buzzed again. But this time she was ready – her make-up fixed and earrings chosen – even as her cheeks burned with anticipation.

“Hey, Barry,” she said, almost a purr.

“Hey.” His lovestruck tone melted her always. “You ready?”

She nodded, biting her bottom lip as she started to fantasize about undressing him – until she realized he couldn’t see her.

“Iris?”

“Ah, yes, I’m ready. I’ll be down in a sec.”

“Okay. I’ll meet you in the lobby.”

“’Kay.”

Five minutes later Iris was downstairs looking at the nervous wreck that was her boyfriend pacing back and forth in the lobby.

“Babe,” she called out, more than once because he was so absorbed in his own thoughts to register her voice. Finally though, he stopped pacing and looked at her and his jaw dropped.

Iris slid her warm wrap down her arms so he could get a full look at her dress.

“Not too shabby, huh?” She grinned, her eyes twinkling.

He closed the space between them and took her in his arms.

“I’d ravish you right here if we didn’t have plans for the night,” he said against her lips.

“And if there weren’t cameras,” she said, pointing them out to him.

His shoulders slumped, and she laughed, adoring every second of the expressions that crossed his face.

“We can do this though,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling his face down to hers for a quick greeting kiss.

“Mmm, that’s pretty good,” he murmured against her lips. “How about another one?”

She granted his request but then made a point to pull away just as he started to take charge with the clear intention of a passionate make-out right there in her apartment lobby.

“We have a date,” she whispered, and he sighed.

“Yes…yes, we do.” Then he jumped back, eyes wide. “We do!”

Iris laughed and looked at him strangely.

“So…should we go then?” she asked.

“Yes!” He grinned. “Let’s go.”

He took her hand in his, pulled her out of the building, and revealed to her their mode of transportation for the night.

A long stretch limo with their own personal driver.

“Ms.?” The driver opened the back door for her to step in.

“I…thank you.” She slipped into the vehicle and Barry rounded the other side. “Barry,” she half-scolded. “This had to have cost you a fortune. I know it’s Christmas Eve, but-”

He silenced her with a drugging kiss.

“Mmm, okay, talk later.”

He grinned against her lips and gave the driver the signal to drive to their destination.

…

A cold wind whipped against her face as Barry led her up a long, winding staircase with his hands over her eyes.

“Barry, are you sure this is the most practical thiii-” She gasped, tripping over a step.

Wrapped around her back, Barry made sure she wouldn’t fall.

“Probably not,” he said. “But we’re almost there.”

“Almost where?”

Barry peeled his hands away as soon as he guided her through the final door.

At first glance, the table set before them looked like a beautifully romantic setting on the top of an otherwise bare rooftop. But for Iris, she knew exactly where they were.

“Jitters?” she blanched, turning to face him – which was difficult when she was facing the candlelit table for two with roses and lights and two men, one playing violin and the other a cello, whisking her away into a romantic fairytale.

But she managed, because damn it, she was in love with the man who had prepared it all.

Barry chuckled.

“There’s no surprising you, is there?”

She shook her head, a million questions buzzing in her mind.

“It feels special to us – or to me at least. I mean, it’s where we-”

“First met,” she finished, smiling.

“Yeah,” he said softly.

When she said nothing more, he guided her to the table and pulled her chair back for her to sit on. Then he rounded the small table and nodded to the musicians to begin.

“This is so romantic, Barry,” she marveled sometime later when he was pouring champagne.

“Is that your way of saying you like it?”

“I love it, and you know it.”

Barry’s eyes twinkled when their eyes met.

“I was hoping you would.”

“I should’ve expected something like this, but I just…didn’t, I guess. But wow, Barry, I’m…” She licked her lips. “I’m in love.”

She’d said the words before, and to him too, but it never ceased having an effect on him, one that was drugging for her to witness.

“I’ll never get tired of you saying that,” he said, then reached across the table to take her hand in his own and kiss the back. “I’m in love too.”

“With me,” she said, her eyelashes fluttering of their own accord.

“With you,” he confirmed, and pressed his forehead into her palm.

Iris didn’t know how much more of this she could stand. She’d gotten nervous over the prospect of him proposing tonight when Linda had teased her about it, but now she couldn’t imagine him not doing it. Not on such a perfect night as this. She imagined telling all her friends and family – Barry better have asked her dad for his permission to marry her or he’d have a fit. Tradition was tradition, and Joe West took it very seriously.

But she wasn’t worried. Barry Allen was the only boyfriend her dad had actually taken to, even if it took some family game nights to get him to that place.

God, could he just ask her already? He didn’t even need a ring right now. If he would just ask, she would say yes. She wanted to so badly it almost hurt.

“Dance with me,” she said, the soft music and gentle wind blowing around them. The December chill was nothing. The heat rising off their skin kept them warm.

Barry lifted his head and smiled. Then the two of them walked a little ways from the table and began slow-dancing.

“I love you, Iris,” he whispered, his face against the top of her head as she rested hers against his chest.

“I love you, Barry,” she said, voice muffled against his jacket but clear as day to his ears.

“I hope it’s not too much to say I think we’re destined to be together…”

She shook her head against him. It used to bother her when his certainty regarding fate and destiny and them was used so early in their relationship. But now she believed it almost as fervently as he did.

“Not too much, Bear.”

He licked his lips. “You sure?”

Iris smiled and looked up at him.

“Our second date was you taking me to meet your parents. If I didn’t run away then, I’m never going to.”

He sucked in a breath. “Good to know.”

She pulled his head down and gave him a sweet kiss as the music carried on the wind.

“Oh, Iris,” he murmured, pressing his forehead against hers.

“What?” she teased, loving when she made him weak in the knees.

“I really wanted to wait until after we’d eaten.”

Her eyes flashed open.

“Wait for what?”

He pulled back and dug around in his pocket for what felt like an eternity.

“Oh, my God…” fell past her lips when she saw the size and shape of the velvet box in his hands.

His gentle smile turned into a smirk.

“What… What is that?” She couldn’t look him in the eye. She was almost shaking.

“Your Christmas present.”

“Huh?”

Her brows furrowed as disappointment engulfed her. Maybe it wasn’t an engagement ring after all. It could be earrings for all she knew. And here she’d let Linda’s claims get to her, convincing her she’d be engaged by the end of the night.

But then he got down on one knee, and he opened the little velvet box, and the most dazzling engagement ring shone up at her, sparkling in the moonlight, candlelight, and Christmas lights strung around the rooftop.

“Iris West…”

She swallowed hard.

“A lot of people would say you and me meeting at Jitters 10 months ago was just a coincidence, but I don’t believe that. You know I don’t. I’m not a ‘It’s just pure luck’ guy. I’m a ‘there’s no coincidences’ guy. You walked into my life right when I needed it, and now, Iris…I can’t imagine my life without you. I love you with my whole heart, and I always will.”

He pulled the ring from its case and stuffed the box back in his pocket. He took her hand in his and let the ring hover over the tip of her ring finger.

“Will you marry me?”

Tears filled her eyes and she nodded for several seconds before she could speak.

“Yes! Yes! Of course I’ll marry you, YES!!!”

Barry slid the ring onto her finger, then jumped to his feet and kissed her. The musicians clapped wildly before starting a peppy tune as Barry picked Iris up and spun her around, inhaling her light giggles like oxygen before setting her down again.

Smiling so much her cheeks hurt, Iris finally lifted the diamond to eye-level.

“Wow, it’s beautiful, Barry. Really.”

He smiled, proud of his selection.

“I’m never taking it off.”

“Well, maybe in the shower…or for dishes…”

“Nope. Never. It’s mine now. It’s never coming off.”

He swooned, staring at her, never looking away.

“Besides,” she said innocently before looking up at him. “Who says I’m going to do the dishes?”

His jaw dropped, and she laughed. He got up and leaned across the table and kissed her to silence them.

Then his suit caught on fire from the candlelight, and Iris threw her glasses of champagne and water on him to stop the flames.

“Well, at least it happened after the proposal,” he said, and Iris stood up again, pulling him away.

“Dance with me again,” she said, and he wrapped his arms around her, guiding her into a slow spin. She kicked off her heels and drew herself closer to him.

“I’ll never stop,” he said, and she knew this time he wasn’t talking about dancing.

She felt the shivers trickle down her spine as she repeated the sentiment.

“Don’t ever.”

[hussyknee]

What's in my WiP folder

1. Untitled Westallen post-prison reunion smut fic featuring dom!Barry.

2. Unspoken: Westallen relationship conflict angst sandwich. Multi chapter.

3. Every Kind Of Love: Queer-platonic FWB sexytiemz Westallen interlude set within a Secretary-style Olivarry background AU. Multi-chapter.

4. Boy Toy: Westallen Pretty Woman AU where Iris is the less douchey Richard Gere and Barry is the much younger Julia Roberts character. Gratuitous background WestCanary (Iris x Sara) Multi-chapter.

5. Kneel And I Will Come: Olivarry wedding night BDSM scene fic

6. The Scarlet Rose: ColdWestAllen fairytale fusion - Snow Queen meets Beauty and the Beast. Multi chapter.

7. Dangerous Liaisons: Coldflash vs Olivarry polyam action drama AU flavoured with Westallen. Multi-chapter.

8. Better Angels: Leonard Snarts meets Henry Allen in prison pre-series - Dangerous Liaisons verse

9. Stepping Out: Barry comes out to the Wests and his father about his relationship with Oliver and Oliver comes out to his family and Laurel and Tommy. Christmas fic - Dangerous Liaisons verse. Multi chapter.

10. The Waiting Stars: Iris's pre-series PoV of events leading to Dangerous Liaisons.

And that's not accounting for the ones with plot outlines that I haven't otherwise written anything for. **headdesk**

I don't know how many of these I will end up actually finishing. Preferably all of them because I hate how sad they look all half-finished and forlorn, poor babies. But drop me an ask if you wish, with the number of the story you most want to read (except #4) and I will post a snippet from it. See whether that'll motivate me to complete them.

[winchester-with-wings]

The Heart of Atlantis, masterlist

~ An Earth2!Barry Allen AU ~

This is from @sincerelysaraahh‘s A Month of Fairytales! I picked Atlantis: the Lost Empire and Earth 2 Barry Allen. I also got this anon request: Could you do a e2 Barry imagine that’s kind of like and Atlantis the lost empire au with Barry as the role of milo and the reader as the role of kida (I’m asking because Atlantis is canon on e2)

[Mobile Masterlist] [HEADER by @heyitsilverwolf ]

Summary

Based on Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire and set on Earth 2 where Atlantis was discovered 10 years ago and turned into a vacation resort, Bartholomew Allen embarks on a journey with a team to explore the undeveloped part of the island in search of someone who went missing 4 years ago. There he meets and falls in love with Princess Y/N and Atlantis. Not everyone on the expedition has pure intentions though, and soon Y/N and the power of her people are endangered. Can Barry, an ordinary man, help Y/N and the Atlantean people or will it take a metahuman to stop another metahuman?

A/N: So this was originally going to be a one shot...then I was going to be three long parts...now it’s as many parts as it wants to be...Part 1 is much longer than any other part will be. Bits and pieces are written in Barry’s POV. E2 Barry isn’t married to Iris but there is implied past WestAllen. On Earth-Two, Atlantis is a real place and it sounds like it’s a vacation destination. This fic will follow along with some plots of the Disney Atlantis movie with the exception that Atlantis is not a lost civilization but a recently discovered one.  Jesse Quick is Jesse Wells in this fic. The reader is basically Kida so her physical characteristics will be based on Kida in this (white hair, blue eyes, tan skin) Also @scheddis was an amazing brainstorming partner for this fic!! It turned into a beast of a story so there will be a couple more parts! Feedback is welcome!! Also please pardon my banner. I’m very new to making them and I’m using a website instead of a good program lol

Part 1   /   Part 2   /   Part 3   /   Part 4   /   Part 5   /    Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10 (END)

[iinejs]

The Musical Episode was literally a westallen fairytale au 

[xswestallen]

CinderIris: chapter 3

WestAllen Cinderella AU

Summary: With his mother death looming, King Henry holds a ball and invites all the eligible maidens in the kingdom, hoping his son, Prince Barry, will finally find a bride. Iris West is a bar maiden, who would love to attend, but, she is very poor and can’t afford a nice dress or a ride to the castle.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Archive of Our Own version

Barry rubbed his neck to ease his tension as he tried to reconcile the conflicting advice he'd received. He stood waiting behind the doors to the ballroom. On the other side, he heard the muffled voice of his father introducing him.

“Little known fact about His Royal Highness, Prince Barry, he is a skilled fencer. He’s able to hit the heart of his opponent just as he’s able to capture the heart of everyone he meets. Oh, and what a strong connection the Prince has to his own heart, one filled with generosity and thoughtfulness.”

Barry facepalmed, mortified. Being the King did not exclude Henry Allen from inflicting the usual amount of paternal embarrassment on Barry. Hearing his father attempt to be his wingman gave Barry the urge to hide in the Palace’s tallest tower and never make eye contact with a woman again.

To think, his future wife was out there, hearing this! What Barry wouldn’t give to meet an eligible maiden in the Kingdom who hadn’t.

The doors flew open. Trumpets played the Kingdom’s Anthem. Barry descended the marble steps, hoping nobody could tell how nervous he was.

The men bowed and the women curtseyed to their Prince. Many, sneaking glances up at him, as this was the first time they were seeing him in person.

The Anthem concluded before Barry made it down the stairs, causing his last few steps to echo throughout the ballroom. Waiting at the bottom of the stairs was an announcer with a feathered hat and a smiling young lady in a purple gown. The Prince would be formally introduced to nobles and the gentry, to ensure he meet all of those ladies tonight.

“His Royal Highness, Prince Barry is introduced to Lady Lucinda of Starling Kingdom.” The announcer’s voice boomed.

Barry was still getting a hold of himself, and awkwardly stood there, looking at the crowd of guests rather than at Lady Lucinda.

She cleared her throat to get his attention.

“Right, my apologies.” He said quickly, turning to her and racking his brain for a coherent sentence. Barry had never been more nervous.

Thankfully, Lady Lucinda made it easy for him when she held out her hand expectantly. Barry bent down to kiss it. He was well aware that every eye in the ballroom was focused on him. That was not helping the bubbling of stomach to settle.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Said Barry.

“Please, your grace,” Lady Lucinda said coyly. “The pleasure is all mine.”

The orchestra broke the intimidating silence of the couple’s introduction with a song. Guests’ interest in staring at the Prince wavered in favor of dancing.

Barry felt more comfortable now. He looked at the woman standing before him. She was very beautiful, with dark hair and delicate features.

“Tell me, Your Highness, are a man of action rather than words?” Lady Lucinda asked.

“Huh? Pardon me?” Barry asked.

“You don’t have much to say.” Lady Lucinda clarified.

“Oh,” Barry laughed nervously. He decided honesty was best. “I’m afraid my family and friends know me to be a man of far too many words at times. Tonight, I am, admittedly, anxious.”

“Anxious to find yourself a bride?”

Barry ducked his head. “Yes, that would be ideal.”

“Well, you don’t have to be nervous with me.” Lady Lucinda said. Her voice was soft, like Summer rain. “As of right now we are just two people who want to get to know each other, befriend one another. Whatever may happen in the future is irrelevant at the present time.”

Barry took a deep breath. Lady Lucinda had said exactly what Barry didn’t know needed to hear to calm his nerves.

“Are you comfortable proceeding like that?” Lady Lucinda asked.

“Yes, I am. As a matter of fact, I have long believed that an established friendship should precede any romantic relationship.”

Lady Lucinda tilted her head. “Is that why you have yet to court? Trouble making friends?”

“Not everyone is as personable as you, my lady.”

Barry mentally patted himself on the back. That line was smooth.

Lady Lucinda bit her lip. It made Barry’s jaw go slack.

But, not wanting to stare dumbly at her for too long, Barry offered, “Would you like to dance?”

“Why, thank you, I would.”

For the first time ever, Barry was glad his mother had forced him to take dance lessons. He replayed the instructor's voice telling him which step to take next that was drilled into him from the hours of torment spent with her.

"You're grip is very strong, Your Highness." Lady Lucinda noted.

Barry became aware of how tightly he was holding Lucinda's hand and how stiff his entire body was. "Sorry, the nerves again."

When the song ended, Barry was relived.

Lady Lucinda sighed. "I know I must leave you, so you may be introduced to more ladies." She patted Barry's arm and whispered to him, "I'll be here dancing all night. Whatever you do with that information is up to you."

Like smoke, she disappeared into the sea of people surrounding Barry. Obviously, she was hoping he'd seek her out after he'd been introduced to all the ladies he was obligated to meet. Barry liked Lady Lucinda. A lot, actually. She was very attractive, witty, playful, and didn't seem put off by Barry's gracelessness. He could see himself being content with her.

Barry went on with his night, now able to relax, as meeting Lady Lucinda made him confident that he would be able to tell his father he was interested in a woman.

For the next hour or so, the Prince was introduced to a dozen more eligible maidens. Barry felt as though he were giving them a job interview, and in a way, he was. Though this particular interview was more personal than most. Barry could tell he was a disappointment to some, but that was fine with him. A few judgemental girls repelled was only going to help him.

After Barry drudged his feet through a dance with a snobby Duchess from the north, his father, Grand Duke Wells, and Earl H.R. of the 19th district, approached him.  

"You look like you're fairing well, ladies man." The King joked.

"Very funny." Barry smirked but he didn't laugh.

"Is meeting these ladies really as dreadful as you thought it would be?"

"Only a few of them."

The King clapped his son on the shoulder and chuckled.

"Good humored," H.R. noted. "Yet another important quality in a husband." He said a little louder so that those standing close could hear.

"Oh, would you both please stop?" Barry begged.

"Alright, alright." The King complied. "We are just excited for you, that's all."

Grand Duke Wells, never one for chit chat, got straight to the point. "Are there any ladies you are particularly found of, Your Highness?"

He made sharp eye contact with Barry as a silent reminder of their prior conversation.

"As a matter of fact, I have." Barry informed him.

The King smiled from ear to ear. He looked like a man resisting the urge to jump for joy and shout to the heavens.

"Excellent!" He proclaimed. "Who is the lucky young woman who's caught your eye?"

"Lady Lucinda."

"Ahh! Meeting her first must've set a high standard for the evening, I see."

Barry nodded. "She's a lovely girl."

"A lovely girl, or a girl you love?" H.R. asked for clarification.

Barry noticed his father's smile falter. He looked down at the floor, trying to find a way to explain. "She's a lovely girl who I think I could love one day."

At once, the Grand Duke changed the subject so as not to let the King say anything to his son that might complicate the Prince's decision to propose a courtship to Lady Lucinda. "Your Highness, I believe there is another maiden patiently waiting to make your acquaintance at the bottom of the staircase."

"Excuse me." Barry nodded curtly to the gentlemen and left.

The King sighed.

"What's troubling you, Your Majesty?" H.R. asked.

"This Lady Lucinda is quite the respectable maiden. I think her and Barry are a good match."

"They are." Wells agreed. "I've heard of this girl. All who speak of her say she is charming, smart, and she enjoys sporting activities."

"Yes, they are a good match." The King repeated, more to himself than anyone.

H.R. was still concerned. "Then, why do you look dejected?"

"There is a great difference between a good match and love."

Wells rolled his eyes. "Correct me if I'm wrong, Your Majesty, but wasn't the purpose of this ball for the Prince to find a good match? A suitable future Queen?"

"Yes, yes." The King waved his hand in a motion like shooing away a fly. "But, I was praying for more than that. I want Barry to have the love I know he's been longing for."

"If I may say so, Your Majesty, I did try to warn you. But, you sire, like the Prince, are incurably romantic. We can see where the boy gets it from." Wells said.

H.R. laughed. "No doubt you saw the whole pretty picture in detail." He held up his hands like he was directing a film scene as he spoke. "The young Prince, bowing conceivably. Suddenly, he stops. He looks up. Behold, there she stands! The girl of his dreams!"

Wells looked annoyed but the King was listening intently to H.R.

"Who she is or where she came, he knows not, nor does he care. For his heart tell him that here, here is the maid destined to be his bride.

Wells scoffed. "A pretty plot for a fairy tale. But, in real life, it was all doomed to failure."

Barry had finished going through the motions of dancing with another girl. He returned to the staircase and was thankful to see two ladies there. This meant he could cross off two forced introductions with one princely smile. The ladies were Anastasia and Drizella, daughters of Lady Tremaine.

But, he didn't bother saying a single word to either of them, for the moment he bowed his head, he saw her enter.

There she is! The girl! Beautiful, stunning, a vision in blue. Barry could see the sparkle of her eyes from all the way across the ballroom. Her every move hypnotizing him into a love drunk stupor. The girl had an aura of soft light, like the sunshine. Just being in the same room as her flooded Barry with warmth. She seemed to glide across the floor like an elegant skater on the ice, or a cloud in the sky.

Barry felt as if the room's ceiling and floor vanished. It was just him and her, caught up in an enchanted daydream. If he were able to retch his eyes away from the girl, Barry would've seen that everyone was looking at her.

Barry walked past the girls in front of him, never giving them a thought again. He needed to get closer to the girl, just as much as he needed to breath. Barry murmured a practice of his 'how do you do?' before he got to her. His legs wobbled. If he were more boisterous, Barry would have flung out his arms and sung out the news, 'I HAVE FOUND HER!'

"I beg your pardon, Miss." Barry said breathlessly.

The girl glanced back at him. She was even more beautiful up close. Like an angel, with the dust of the stars in her eyes. When she faced him, Barry had to make conscious effort not to faint.

Oxygen escaped him, but as if on instinct, he said, "It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

She curtseyed. Her movements were like that a swan.

Barry's eyes fall on her hands. A proper introduction included the gentleman kissing the lady's hand. But, this felt more momentous than any other introduction. Touching her, a creature so pure, angelic, almost not of this world, was daunting. Barry didn't feel worthy. You don't touch a priceless sculpture. Although, Barry really wanted to.

The girl nodded slightly, looking up at Barry from under her lashes that fluttered like butterfly wings.

Barry took one of her hands in both of his. The moment he made contact with her, his body surged with electricity. It was like being struck by lightning. If he thought that feeling was amazing, it was nothing compared to the thrill of kissing her hand.

This was it. At long last, Barry found her. The one he'd been dreaming of for longer than he could remember. He was more certain of it than his own name.

♥　♡　♥　♡　♥　♡　♥　♡　♥　♡　♥　♡　♥

Iris arrived at the Palace. It looked even more magnificent at its entrance than it had all the years she’d admired it from afar. Iris stepped out of the carriage with the help of an attendant. She smiled up at the Palace in awe, like a child, as she entered.

The foyer made a clean path to the ballroom. It was lined with statues of knights in shining armor, each with a real live knights standing beside them. They looked determinedly across the room, making no visible notice of Iris’ late arrival. It was a little unnerving.

Iris stood for a moment in the doorway, taking in the picturesque site.

The ballroom was enormous. Ornate candelabras drenched it in light. A half dozen crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The Royal Philharmonic played a symphony. More flowers than Iris had ever seen in any garden decorated the space. Marble columns with gold molding outlined the walls. It was impossible to look in any direction without seeing something made of gold.

Iris craned her head to peek through the crowd, most of whom were paying attention to a scene at the bottom of the grand staircase. She could make out the silhouette of a tall man. Two young ladies curtseyed before him.

The attendees seemed distracted, leading Iris to believe this was the best time to subtly join their midst. With trepidation, she crossed the threshold of the ballroom.

A group of giggly young ladies did a double take upon seeing Iris. Then, a man padded his comrade on the shoulder and pointed at Iris. She kept walking with her head down.

One by one, people turned to stare at Iris. She felt self-conscious. Where they staring because it was so obvious she didn’t belong among them? Unintelligible whispers of the gawkers plagued her ears. Iris felt horribly out of place. She Counted the tiles on the floor as she hustled towards a lonely corner.

Just before Iris made it to the sanctuary, a voice from behind halted her.

“I beg your pardon, Miss.”

Iris glanced over her shoulder to see a tall, handsome man with dark hair and bright eyes. He was looking at her in shock and awe. For some reason, his gaze was the only one that didn’t make Iris feel self-conscious. She turned to face him, the tulle of her gown dancing around her as she did.

“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” The man said, rather breathlessly.

Iris curtseyed. She never truly mastered etiquette, but she assumed that curtseying was what was expected of her.

As she rose to her full height once again, Iris noticed the man’s attire. He was dressed in a red uniform, with military badges and the royal crest of the House of Allen. It was clear he was a high ranking member of society.

The man’s eyes went to her hand, than met hers, silently asking for permission. Iris nodded ever so slightly. The man smiled as he took her hand, cradling it like a precious jewel, and gently pressed his lips to it. Iris felt her heart flutter.

“I’m Barry.” The man introduced himself.

Before Iris could introduce herself to him, horns trumpeted. They startled Iris, but Barry was unfazed, still captivated by Iris.

An announcer spoke. “His Royal Highness, Prince Barry, is introduced to…………. a maiden of Central Kingdom.”

There were whispers among guests and Palace staff. Nobody knew who this girl was.

It took Iris a moment to realize the announcer was talking about her. Her jaw dropped when it occurred to her that it meant this man was the Prince.

“You’re the Prince?” She gasped.

“I am.” He said nonchalantly.

Iris became nervous again. She’d never interacted with anyone even close to such status. Unsure of what to say, she sank down in another curtsey.

Barry looked amused.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. I’ve never met royalty before. Please forgive me.”

“I should be thanking you.” He said. “As I think a second curtsey warrants a second kiss of your hand?”

Iris held back a school girl giggle.

Barry kissed her hand again. The feel of his lips on her flesh lingered, burned.

“Would you do me the honor of sharing a dance with me?” asked Barry.

Iris didn’t know how to dance properly. Her father taught her only a few steps, but she lacked his coordination. The rational side of her brain told her to decline, run away, and save herself the embarrassment of falling over her feet in front of so many people. But, something about being with Barry made Iris feel brave.

“Yes.”

Barry beamed.

Iris’ breath hitched when his hand held her waist.

The violins played a harmonious tune. Barry lead the dance and Iris tried to keep up with him. He twirled her around, and Iris felt her knees buckle when she saw all the other guests staring.

“They’re all looking at you.”

Barry chuckled. “Believe me, they’re all looking at you.”

The couple stepped and swayed. Iris got lost in the dance with him. The way Barry guided her across the floor made her feel as if she were gliding on a cloud. So steadfast in his movements and adoring in his gaze. The other guests disappeared. It was just her, Barry, and the pounding of her heart. Barry lifted Iris off her feet and twirled her around. She felt like an angel ascending into heaven.

When the music stopped, Iris was breathless. Barry’s hand remained on her waist, which she didn’t mind at all.

The outburst of applause jolted Iris back to reality and she remembered the spectators. Barry, who’d also been in a daze, became flustered upon hearing them clap.

The orchestra spared them from figuring out what to say when they began playing another piece. Like on instinct, Barry tightened his grip on Iris’ waist and danced with her a second time. Iris had never before felt the kind of intimacy she did dancing with Barry. She was in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by strangers, doing an activity she had little practice in, but for some reason, being with Barry felt natural.

As the second song ended, Barry dipped Iris. She looked up at him and couldn’t tell what was shining more brightly, the crystal chandeliers or his smile. The giggle she’d so far been successful in repressing escaped her lips as Barry raised her back up.

The other guests applauded, but less enthusiastically this time. They muttered about who this girl could be, why on Earth the Prince was so smitten with her, and when they would get a chance to dance with him.

Barry and Iris were deaf to it. Slowly, Barry took his hand off her waist. Iris wanted to say something, thank him for the dance, make him laugh, or impress him as a conversationalist, but every word in the English language was lost on her. She feared her heartbeat was so loud, Barry would hear it.

Barry was studying her. Iris felt like he was x-raying her soul. She stood proud before him, not as a poor commoner, not as Joe West’s daughter, not as a bar maiden, but just as herself. The purest form of herself, the person she kept hidden from the rest of the world. Tonight, she was herself, totally vulnerable to him, yet feeling so empowered.

Barry licked his lips. His pink, pretty lips that looked sweeter than honey. He leaned his head down towards Iris’ face. She closed her eyes and held her breath, anticipating a kiss.

Instead, Barry whispered into her ear, “May we take a stroll through the garden? It’s quiet and private there.”

Iris recovered quickly from her disappointment. It was probably wise to not be seen kissing a man she’d just met in front of so many people.

“I would like that.” Iris said.

[xswestallen]

CinderIris: Chapter 7

WestAllen Cinderella AU

Summary: With his mother death looming, King Henry holds a ball and invites all the eligible maidens in the kingdom, hoping his son, Prince Barry, will finally find a bride. Iris West is a bar maiden, who would love to attend, but, she is very poor and can’t afford a nice dress or a ride to the castle.

Chapter 1 

Archive of Our Own version

Just one day after the royal guard announced that it would be searching for the girl from the ball by having maidens try on the glass slipper, the Prince was informed they had found a girl whom the slipper fit.

Barry’s heart leapt from his chest. That meant his dream girl was on her way to the Palace right now. He apologized to his tutor and ran out of the lesson. He changed into his best suit, having to retie the tie a few times because his hands were shaking with anticipation.

One his way down to the entry hall, the Prince decided to go to the garden and pick flowers for his beloved. A reminder of their intimate conversation from that night in the garden and a classic romantic gesture. Barry couldn’t decide which flowers to bring her. Would she like daisies or would she like tulips? He thought about roses, but they seemed too cliche.

The Prince paced around the flower bed. A terrible but wonderful anxiety made even a simple choice like this feel impossible. None of the flowers were beautiful enough to be worthy of giving her. Then, a patch of irises caught his eye.

The flowers stood tall and proud. Pink, yellow, white, blue, but mostly purple in color, the irises were all unique and intricate. Barry picked his favorites among them and arrange a makeshift bouquet in his hands.

He went to the entry hall, feeling closer to destiny with each step he took. When the doors were in sight, Barry ran towards them. He stopped abruptly just in front of them. On the other side of the door was his love. The thought of seeing her again made his nerves tingle. He took a deep breath, telling himself to be charming.

One of the guards posted at the side of the door smiled, a rare deviation from their typical stone faced stare.

“Am I that desperate looking?” The Prince asked.

“By the way you look, Your Highness, it must be true love.”

Barry smiled.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes.” Barry answered.

The guards opened the doors to the entry hall. The guard on the other side announced the Prince’s entrance. Barry wasn’t listening. His eyes widened as he looked over the people standing in the room.

Captain Singh and several other guards were there. A girl stood in the center of them. Barry’s eyes kept scanning, searching for the maiden who stole his heart.

But, she was not among them.

“Where is she?” Barry asked, rather rudely in hindsight.

The girl stepped forward and curtseyed.

Captain Singh held out his arms. “Your Royal Highness, may I present to you, Miss Patricia Spivot.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. Please, call me Patty.” The girl said.

Barry barely looked at her. He was still clinging to the hope that the girl would emerge from behind one of the guards.

An awkward silence fell. It was broken when Captain Singh cleared his throat.

The Prince finally greeted Miss Spivot, though ee forwent the common practice of kissing her hand. “The pleasure is all mine.”

Captain Singh continued the introduction. “Miss Spivot is the top of her class in the forensic science program at Royal University. She is also the daughter of a the great and fallen guard, Patrick Spivot. May he rest in peace.”

“Thank you for your father’s service.” Barry said to Patty.

She smiled. “Thank you, Your Highness. I hear you have an interest in forensics as well?”

“Yes.” Barry acknowledged, but he didn’t continue the conversation with Patty. He approached Captain Singh instead.

“Captain,” The Prince whispered. “This is not her!”

“Her foot fit the glass slipper.” Captain Singh informed him. “Are you sure this is not the girl from the ball?”

“Certain. She is too tall, too pale. Her hair is too light and too short. Her eyes aren’t as soft and warm.”

“We were instructed to bring any maiden whom the slipper fit to the Palace.”

“Thank you, Captain. But, it must be coincidence the slipper fit her. She’s not the one I’m looking for.” The Prince sighed.

“Seven is very common shoe size.”

“I know.” Barry admitted. “But, it’s all I have to go on.”

He turned to the girl called Patty. “I am so sorry, genuinely, Miss. But, I’m afraid-”

“I’m not the mystery girl you fell in love with.” Patty finished the sentence for him.

Barry looked at her apologetically.

“I understand.” Patty said.

“I sorry for the inconvenience of traveling here.”

“I should have known better than to come. Of course, I knew I wasn’t the girl you’re looking for. I just thought it might be nice to meet you.”

Patty curtseyed and turned to leave.

Barry felt like a terrible person. This nice girl came to see him, and he brushed her off. Even though she wasn’t the person he was looking for, she was still a person.

“Wait, Miss.” The Prince said, halting her. “I’d like you to have these.” He gave her the flowers.

Patty smiled. “Thank you. They’re lovely.”

“So are you.” Barry told her. “Patty, you are very pretty, and you must be quite brilliant too. It sounds as though we also have common interest. But………”

“I’m not her.” Patty said.

“You will be someone else’s her. A very lucky someone.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

The Prince took her hand and placed a soft kiss on it. “Call me Barry.”

Patty smiled somberly. “Goodbye, Barry.”

♥　♡　♥　♡　♥　♡　♥　♡　♥　♡　♥　♡　♥

“Iris! Iris!” Cecile repeated. She banged her hand on the bar. “Iris West!”

That snapped Iris out of her daydream. She was imaging what it would be like when she was brought to the Palace after having fit into the glass slipper. Trepidation was fading and Iris was starting to feel eager to try on the shoe.

She’d decided not to tell anyone that she was the mystery girl. For one, she wasn’t sure they’d believe. Another, she wanted to wait until the guard came to her cottage and requested she try on the slipper. It would take them a while to get there, as they’d have to fit every maiden in the most affluent parts of the Kingdom before making their way to the South side. Iris wanted to be sure that Barry would not change his mind about this endeavor to find her. She needed to know that he was serious, not just going after her because she was a mystery.

“I’m sorry, Cecile.” Iris said, coming back to reality. “What were you saying?”

“Honey, you’ve been drying that same flask for twenty minutes.”

“Oh….”

Cecile smirked. “Iris, what’s gotten into you? For the past three days you’ve been acting out of character. Head in the clouds and stars in your eyes.”

Iris shrugged. “I’ve been in a pleasant mood.”

“You’ve been walking on air since the ball.” Cecile noted.

“Which reminds me, I am so sorry about your daughter’s gown!” Iris apologized for the hundredth time.

Cecile put  finger over Iris’ lips. “Enough. It’s alright, dear. My daughter was never going to wear that dress again anyway. I’m glad you had a good time in it. And don’t you dare try to give me money. I will throw it back in your face. You work too hard for it, you keep it.”

“You’re too kind.”

Cecile patted herself on the back, making Iris laugh. She then took a long look at Iris, as if x-raying her.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Iris asked.

“Your mood has been more than ‘pleasant’ recently. In fact, I think there’s only one thing that could have you so giddy.”

Iris raised an eyebrow. “What, pray tell, is that?”

“You’ve met someone!” Cecile said in a sing-song voice.

Iris bit her lip. Her cheeks were warm and her stomach did a slip. She felt shy, like a school girl asked about a crush.

“Oh, come on! Tell me about him!” Cecile pleaded.

Iris looked at the floor, Barry’s face swimming in her mind. The past few nights, she lay awake in bed, counting the freckles she remember on his face. The feeling just thinking of him gave Iris was overwhelming. She loved and hated it. He made her feel like she was flying and drowning in the ocean at the same time. Iris wasn’t sure if she wanted fawn over his memory in serenity or scream in desperation due to their distance.

“Please!” Cecile cried again. “You haven’t said anything about the ball. I’ve been dying to hear.

“It was a very nice ball.” Iris said.

“And?” Cecile urged her.

“And…… They have far too much food!”

“And?”

“And…… The orchestra was very talented.”

“And the Prince?”

“Oh, the Prince.” Iris whispered. She’d been avoiding the subject.

“Yes, the Prince!” Cecile insisted.

“Well, he’s tall.” Iris said, truthfully.

“Did you dance? Is he charming as they say?”

“I only danced two dances, both with the same man.” Iris reported, leaving out the detail that the man was the Prince.

“And him?” Cecile pried.

Iris’ heart swelled. “I’d never felt anything like being with him.”

Cecile sipped her drink and looked teasingly at Iris. “Mmmm.”

“I was so anxious when I’d first arrived. Breathless with a wild anticipation of adventure, excitement, and romance. I felt so out of place. I was seriously considering running home, when he asked me to dance.”

“Was he handsome?”

Iris giggled. “Really handsome.”

“I need details!”

“He was tall, very tall. His eyes a mixture of emerald green and soft blue. He was slim but in shape. His hair was dark and wavy. He looked good in his red suit.”

“Red? Bold choice.”

“The Palace was so extravagant, making me feel so humble in comparison. I didn’t recognize a face in the crowd of people. It was scary. But, when I was with him, he made me feel like... I was home.”

Cecile looked on Iris in awe, hanging onto her every word.

“That sounds silly, doesn’t it?” Iris asked.

Cecile put her hand on Iris’ shoulder. “That sounds like love.”

Iris felt embarrassed. She leaned over the bary to hug Cecile.

“Thank you for talking to me. I didn’t realize how much I wanted to tell someone about him until I started. Now, I don’t want to stop.”

“Of course.” Cecile said. “You can always talk to me.”

“I’m lucky to have someone like you in my life.” Iris said appreciatively.

“Iris, I know it may sound strange. Forgive me if I’m overstepping my bounds, but I feel a maternal connection to you. I don’t get to see my daughter as often as I like, so I take extra enjoyment out of spending time with you.”

Iris was touched. She had long looked up to Cecile as a maternal figure, since she lost her own mother at such a young age. “That means so much to me. I don’t remember much about her, but my father tells me how beautiful and kind she was. It reminds me of you.”

The women embraced again.

“I never knew your mother, but I think she would be proud of you. Any mother would.” Cecile said.

A tear escaped Iris’ eye. “Thank you.”

“And any mother would want you to be happy. To find true love and have your happily ever after.”

[xswestallen]

CinderIris: chapter 8

WestAllen Cinderella AU

Summary: With his mother death looming, King Henry holds a ball and invites all the eligible maidens in the kingdom, hoping his son, Prince Barry, will finally find a bride. Iris West is a bar maiden, who would love to attend, but, she is very poor and can’t afford a nice dress or a ride to the castle.

Chapter 1

Archive of Our Own version

The second time a maiden whom the slipper fit came to the Palace, the Prince was just as-if not more-excited than the first time. There was no doubt in his mind that the girl he fell in love with at the ball would be standing behind the door, waiting to make his heart flutter just as it had the moment he first laid eyes on her.

But, the Prince was disappointed yet again. It was not her.

The third time a maiden whom the slipper fit came to the Palace, the Prince was skeptical. He didn’t get his hopes up, because the sunken feeling he’d be left with after the previous failures was horrible. His skepticism was wise, because it was not her. Barry cursed the commonality of the size seven foot.

The fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth times were no different. The ninth time, the Prince, Captain, and Royal guard made the grotesque realization that the only reason the maiden fit the slipper was because she’d sawed off the back of her heel. She was taken to the Royal hospital and initially considered crazy, until she sparked a trend. The thirteenth maiden who fit the slipper had cut off several toes to squeeze her foot into it.

“This is getting a little ridiculous.” Earl H.R. said one evening.

“GETTING? A LITTLE?” Grand Duke Wells scoffed. “We are far past that.”

Prince Barry, who’d just finished martial arts training with Jesse, wiped the sweat off his brow and tried not to listen.

“How far past ridiculous? Are we in ludicrous territory?” H.R. asked.

Duke Wells turned to H.R. and looked at him with contempt. “Shut up.”

“Oh, so we’re in shut up this is not a time for jokes territory. Got it.” Mumbled H.R.

“Your Highness, you must put a stop to this madness at once.” The Duke insisted.

Prince Barry threw down his towel in frustration. “I haven’t found her yet!”

“How many more girls are going to mutilate themselves until you do?”

“Next, some lass will chop off her whole foot and build a robot one to perfectly fit.” Jesse joked.

Duke Wells held up his hand in attempt to silence her. It only made Jesse roll her eyes.

“I’m just saying, that would be kind of cool. She may not be the girl you met at the ball, but at least we’d know she’s resourceful.”

H.R. was the only one who laughed.

“I never wanted anyone to hurt themselves, never asked them to make the slipper fit by any means necessary. It was their choice to do it.” Barry said in his defense.

“Even so,” Duke Wells retorted. “This goose chase is causing hysteria. It makes the Monarchy look like bad.”

“Since when do you care about PR, Duke?”

“This isn’t about PR! Have you forgotten about the trade embargo Midway is threatening to place on our imports? Or the delicate situation in the far East where North and South Keystone are on the brink of peace for the first time in a century? But oh no, let’s focus our efforts on locating a girl who’s made it clear she doesn’t want to be found! That’s more important….. NOT!”

“Dad,” Jesse groaned. “Stop trying to make ‘not’ happen. It’s not going to happen.”

“But you just said it!” H.R. pointed out.

Barry couldn’t take it anymore. He stood up and marched towards the door as he explained, “I’m aware of the current events. I know how crucial it is for my focus to be on such matters. That is why I’m determined to find the girl. Until I do, my mind can’t concentrate on anything else. I need to know who she is, to be with her again. She had this way of calming, centering, focusing me. Like an anchor to keep me from floating away when I’m overwhelmed. Somehow she brought out the best in me, I’ll need that if I am to serve this Kingdom.”

“Like a lightning rod?” H.R. said. “A lightning rod to bring out your lightning.”

“Yes.” Barry said, satisfied by the anecdote. “Like that.”

Duke Wells opened his mouth to rebuttal. Before he could, Jesse chimed in.

“You agreed to thirty days of searching. There is still one more week left, in which His Highness could very well find the girl. Dad, one week won’t hurt anything. Let the guard finish the search. If they do not, the Prince will never be able to get over her. You don’t want him to be haunted by the one that got away….. literally.”

“Thank you, Jesse.” Prince Barry said. He was slightly taken aback by her sudden romanticism.

Jesse pointed her finger at him. “Don’t get any ideas. I’m becoming a romantic, I just want the search to finish so you’ll get your head out of the clouds and go back to being decent competition in training.”

Barry smirked.

Duke Wells rubbed his temples. “Fine. Finish the search. I’ll go speak with the Captain of the Guard.” He nodded to excuse himself and left.

Prince Barry didn’t like knowing that his time was running out, but he felt confident that there would still be enough time for his love to be found. He figured the Guard must be nearly finished with the search by now.

As soon as the Grand Duke stepped out of the room, he was face to face with Captain Singh.

“Grand Duke, just the man I was looking for.” Singh greeted. “We need to talk about the search for the girl from the ball.”

“I was looking for you as well, Captain. May we talk as we walk to the kitchen? I’m famished.”

“Sure thing, sir.”

Captain Singh and Duke Wells set off. When they were several feet away from the door and Wells was confident they were out of the Prince’s earshot, he spoke.

“How is the searching going?”

Captain Singh shook his head. “Awful.”

“Seen more amputations than you bargained for?” Duke Wells joked.

“More than my stomach could handle.” Singh admitted. “There is no way we’ll be able to finish the search in the thirty day time limit. We’ve been at it for three weeks and we’ve barely finished with the Northern Isles. That leaves a good two third of Kingdom to search. It will be Christmas by the time we’ve made it to every maiden in the Kingdom.”

“To have half the Royal Guard preoccupied with a shoe fitting for so long is-”

“A dire waste of resources.” Singh finished.

“My thoughts exactly.” Duke Wells said. “Thankfully, the Prince understands and is not wholly uncooperative. He will listen to some reason. That is why he’s agreed to keep the thirty day time limit. If the mystery girl is not found within the week, he says he’ll move on.”

Captain Singh looked surprised, but relieved. “Well, that’s a comfort to know. I know my men will share in my relief.”

“Tell them not to worry about this. It was never that important.”

♥　♡　♥　♡　♥　♡　♥　♡　♥　♡　♥　♡　♥

“If it isn’t the best barmaid South of the Jay Garrick monument.”

That smooth voice could only mean one thing. Iris turned around to see Scott Evans sitting down at the bar.

“Hello, Scott.” She said with a smile.

Scott was a traveling journalist. He wrote for one of the only, and the most respected, paper in town, South Side Print News. Scott made a name for himself all across the Kingdom for his talent when he exposed a crooked Parliament candidate a few years ago. His tall, dark, and handsome good looks didn’t hurt his popularity either.

Iris always admired him for his work and relentless pursuit of the truth. When he first came in Drunkards, she was a little star struck. She was excited to have the chance to talk to Scott about her love of writing and hope to be a reporter one day as well. However, her idol soon proved himself to be a pessimist, putting her off. Scott said it was impossible to do the work he does and be an optimist. Iris told him that nothing is impossible.

Scott kept coming back to Drunkards ever since. He’d say it was for the Brandy, but he’d always wink at Iris.

She poured Scott a glass of Brandy and slid it across the bar.

“You look tired.” Iris noticed. “Or, should I say, more tired than usual.”

Scott smiled. “I’ve just gotten back from a trip to Royal Landing.”

“What were you doing all the way out there?”

“Captain Singh of the Royal Guard made an announcement regarding the search for the girl from the ball. You know, the one the Prince is in love with?”

Iris smirked. “I’ve heard about her.”

“I don’t think a soul in the Kingdom hasn’t. She was the top story all month. Any mention of her would make the front page, no question. But, that’s over now. Soon she’ll be remembered as an old folktale of some kind.”

Iris didn’t understand what he meant by that. “Huh?”

“The search is over.” Scott informed her.

“Over?” Iris repeated.

Scott nodded in confirmation. “Over.”

Iris was dumbfounded. She believed that what she and Prince Barry shared was special enough to leave a lifelong impression. The determination with which he chased her that night and pursued her to come forward since made Iris feel like he would never give up on her.

“What? Wait- it’s- it’s over?” Iris tried to keep her voice even, sound casual. “How? Why? They didn’t find her, did they?”

“No, and it looks like they never will.”

“But they’ve only searched one small part of the Kingdom!” Iris protested. “Wasn’t it the Prince’s order that the Royal Guard have every eligible maiden in the Kingdom try on the slipper?”

“Apparently, a time constraint was agreed to. It must have been thirty days, because here we are on day thirty one, and the Palace is no longer interested in the mystery girl from the ball.”

Scott took a sip of his Brandy.

“The search may be over, but surely the Palace is still interested, right? I mean, if the girl were to turn up, they wouldn’t send her away, would they?” Iris asked, hoping Scott would have something reassuring to say.

Scott shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“The Prince, he must still be interested. After all, they said he loved m- her. Love isn’t something you can just forget about.”

“Why do you suddenly care?” Scott asked with raised brows. “I thought you hated talking about the ball and the Prince. You've change the subject every other time it’s been brought up.”

“I suppose this news is a little surprising to me, that’s all. I really thought the Prince would keep searching till he found her.”

Scott took a swig of Brandy before saying, “I suppose finding her isn’t as important to the government as it is to the Prince.”

“What do you mean?”

Scott smirked. He leaned over the bar, getting close to Iris. He whispered, “You didn’t hear this from me, but the speculation is that Grand Druke Wells and other members of the Royal House have been pressuring His Highness to call off the search.”

“But why?”

“It’s too expensive and uses too much man power. Parliament feels the Palace’s resources could be better spent elsewhere.”

Iris looked down at the floor. She mumbled, talking more to herself than Scott. “The Prince is quite selfless, dedicated to the wellbeing of the Kingdom. If he thought the search was harmful, he’d likely call it off even if he didn’t want to.”

“That’s the popular opinion.” Scott told her. “He wouldn’t want any more ladies severing their toes to fit the slipper.”

Iris scrunched up her face in disgust. “Eww! Someone did that?”

“Several someones.” Scott said.

Iris shivered. “And they say the South Side is weird.”

Scott laughed. He pulled a few coins out of his wallet and placed them on the bar.

“Thanks, Iris. It’s always nice talking to you, but I better be off.”

“No problem. Thanks for filling me in.” Iris said.

“I have to keep the Kingdom’s best amateur reporter up to date.”

Iris smiled, a little embarrassed.

“Anything else an amateur reporter might need to know?” She asked.

“It’s going to rain this weekend.” Scott joked. “Oh, and word is, the Prince is still desperately in love with the girl. Staring out windows, head in the clouds. She’s what he’s always thinking about.”

“Really?” Iris gasped.

Scott put on his coat. “She must have been some girl.”

Iris watched Scott absentmindedly as he left the tavern. She was thinking about Barry and wondering if Scott was right, that he was still thinking about her. The plan was to wait until the Royal Guard came to her and requested she try on the slipper. But, now that was never going to happen. The fantasy of her being whisked away to the Palace and running into Barry’s arms, rejoicing in their reunion with a kiss, that Iris had played over and over in her mind now made her feel foolish. Of course, that was never going to happen.

Iris thought it might be best if she pretended the night of the ball never happened, just as she was going to do before finding out Barry was looking for her. But, the thought of not seeing Barry again made her feel physically ill. She wanted to be with him again, even just once, even just for a minute. If he wasn’t interested in her anymore, she’d accept that. But, Iris was very much still interested in him and she had to try. Cecile had advised her to find her happily ever after, and that was advice Iris was going to take.

[xswestallen]

CinderIris: chapter 10

WestAllen Cinderella AU

Summary: With his mother death looming, King Henry holds a ball and invites all the eligible maidens in the kingdom, hoping his son, Prince Barry, will finally find a bride. Iris West is a bar maiden, who would love to attend, but, she is very poor and can’t afford a nice dress or a ride to the castle.

First chapter

Previous chapter

Archive of Our Own version

“Hey, Iris.” Jax sighed as he plopped down on a seat at the bar. “Man, do I need a drink.”

“I heard you had a rough night last night.” Iris said as she poured him a glass of whiskey.

“Leonard Snart, his sister, and their bastard friends were at it again. They’re rouge citizens. They stole every carriage I was repairing in my garage. My customers are furious.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. But, the important thing is you’re alright.” Iris reminded him.

Jax squinted in concentration. “Yeah, it was strange. The gang ran for it when they heard the Royal Guard coming, but when I went to officially report the robbery this morning, the Guard said they have no record of any guards responding to a break in at my garage. They said no guards were even in the area.”

Iris smiled to herself. “Well, I suppose your guardian angel was looking out for you.”

Jax raised his glass. “Cheers to that.” He took a big swig.

Iris turned away from the bar to clean some dishes. She looked back when Jax said, “Oh no, not this guy again!”

An announcer from the Palace had entered the tavern. He stood proudly in the center of the room and cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention.

Jax covered his ears. Iris however, leaned over the bar, wondering what he’d come to announce.

“Ladies and gentleman of the South side of Central Kingdom,”

Heads turned as the announcer’s voice bellowed.

“I come bearing good news. His Majesty, King Henry, has declared that the royal Palace will host a ball at the Palace next Friday. During the night’s festivities, His Majesty will make an announcement.”

Whispers filled the air as people speculated about what the King’s announcement could be.

Jax scoffed. “An announcement that there will be an announcement, how ridiculous!” He looked back to Iris.

She was looking down at the wooden bar, eyes shifting out of focus as they glided across the grain. She thought for a moment that she was dreaming, or hallucinating from exhaustion after another long shift. It sounded like there was going to be another ball. But, it would be held on…..

“What date did he say?” Iris asked Jax.

“Next Friday.”

Iris’ heart sank. That was the same day Wally would be borrowing Cecile’s carriage and going to Lady McGee laboratory. She couldn’t ask Wally not to go, this was his dream. But, without Cecile’s carriage, getting to the Palace would be impossible. There was no way Iris would be able to travel such a distance on foot and she couldn’t afford to rent a carriage. She’d barely scraped up enough for a low end dress.

What pained Iris the most, was thinking how Prince Barry probably asked his father to throw this ball so she would come and they could reunite. In her frustration, Iris slammed a tray of dirty glasses down on the counter so forcefully, one fell and broke on the floor.

“Damn.” Iris cursed under her breath. She went to get the broom, but the owner of Drunkards, Mason Bridge, blocked the entryway to the kitchen. Arms folded and teeth grinding, Iris knew the look meant she was in trouble.

“West,” He angrily wheezed. “What the hell was that?”

“I dropped a glass.” Iris explained. “I’m sorry. I’ll clean it up right now.” She tried to maneuver around Mason, but he held out his arm, halting her.

“That’s not what I saw from the kitchen window. I saw you carelessly dump a tray of glasses on the counter instead of setting them down gently in the sink, like you’re supposed to.”

“I’m sorry.” Iris apologized again. “I was just-”

Mason cut her off. “You were just FIRED. Get out of here.”

Iris flinched. “What?”

“You’re fired.” Mason repeated.

“Wha- But, but,” Iris stuttered. “I- I’ve worked here for years. I’m a reliable employee. The customer’s like me.”

“The customer’s don’t give a damn who’s behind the bar so long as they pour the drinks. If you were under the impression that you’re irreplaceable, you were sadly mistaken. Now, go.”

“You can’t fire me!” Iris protested. “I need this job. Please, give me a second chance.”

“Second chances are important people. You, West, are not important.”

Iris began to cry. Normally, she’d feel embarrassed, but her pride had already been obliterated. “Please, I don’t have any money. I need to work.”

“Fine, work, just not here.” Mason said. He waved his hand, shooing Iris off like a fly.

“Mr. Bridge, please!”

“Would you go already. People come here and drink to forget their desperation. They don’t need the stink of yours.”

Iris yanked off her apron, shoved it at Mason, and stormed out of Drunkards.

Her tears kept falling, but she done being sad. She was angry. All that time she’d spent working for Drunkards, never calling out ill, always punctual, and Mason has the audacity to fire her. It was salt in her wound. The tiny sliver of hope there was that she’d be able to go to the Palace for the ball was if, by some miracle, a customer left her a hefty tip. But now, even that one in a million chance was taken from her.

“AAAHHHHHHH!!!!!” Iris screamed into the night. She stamped her feet in frustration before collapsing in the cloud of dirt she’d kicked up. Her chest heaved as she cried quietly into the fabric of her skirt. She was pathetic and she knew it.

Iris threw her hands up. “HELLO, I DON’T KNOW IF YOU’RE STILL OUT THERE, WEIRD PEOPLE WHO JUST APPEAR, BUT I NEED YOU TERRIBLY RIGHT NOW!” She called to no one.

Iris laughed at herself. She was a fool for thinking she could pull herself out of her miserable little world, a fool for her romanticism. A poor girl from the South side like her had nothing to offer. She’d die a poor spinster slaving away at some other dead end job. Iris sobbed. Facing that reality tonight was scarier than hiding feet away from Leonard Snart the night before.

Then, Iris got an idea. She paused her self-pity to think. Leonard and Lisa Snart, Mick Rory, and Rosa Dillon were all wanted criminals. She caught them stealing carriages last night. If she told her dad or one of the Royal Guards about what she saw, it would lead to their arrest.

It was a bad idea. Desperate times call for desperate measures, Iris told herself. Snart had carriages to spare and a good motivation to get on Iris’ good side.

♥　♡　♥　♡　♥　♡　♥　♡　♥　♡　♥　♡　♥

Prince Barry walked down the stairs to the Palace kitchen two at a time. He smiled with relief when he saw Linda.

“There you are, Linda. I’ve been looking everywhere for you. I would like to ask you something.”

Linda barely acknowledged Barry. She kept her focus on her cooking. She was stewing a pot of vegetables and mixing a delicious smelling sauce in a pan. Barry glanced around and realized the kitchen was filled with freshly prepared food, enough to feed the Royal army.

“Are you having a dinner party?” Barry joked.

Linda didn’t look up at him, but said, “Cooking helps me to relax.”

The Prince was at first confused, but then realized the tension in Linda’s body as she stood over the stove.

“Why do you need to relax?”

Linda turned off the boiler, put a lid on the pot of vegetables, and finally looked at Barry, exasperated. “Because finding out the man I believed to be my suitor is arranging another ball in the hopes of his long lost love returning makes me feel on edge.” She brushed by the Prince swiftly, moving to the island to chop garlic.

Barry deflated. If he were being truthful, yes, a part of him was hanging onto the fantasy that the mystery girl would return to the Palace for this ball. It was only a small fraction of him though. His rational mind knew it would not happen and that was the main reason for the ball. Barry was genuinely interested in moving forward in his relationship with Linda.

It was after a solid minute of silence that Barry registered how is lack of denial made the situation worse. He quickly spoke up.

“Linda, that’s not why I asked my father to hold the ball. I wouldn’t do that to you. I’m not that kind of guy.”

Linda chopped the last bit of garlic. She folded her arms and stared down Barry. “Well, let me tell you what kind of girl I am. I was born into a position that mean I am forced to spend a great deal of time associating with narrow, stuffy people I would have been perfectly happy to have never endured a conversation with. Therefore, I’m picky about whom I chose to spend my free time with.”

The lady’s plight was all too relatable for Barry.

“I chose to spend some of it with you.” Linda sighed. “So, tell me, Your Highness, did I make the right choice?”

“Yes, you did! ” Barry exhorted. “I understand, probably more than anyone, what it’s like to have to spend your time trying to make small talk with people who don’t interest you, and who you know would never be caught dead talking to you if it weren’t for your title. I understand what it’s like to be desperate to find someone who isn’t draining to spend time with. That’s one of the many reasons I enjoy spending time with you!”

Linda softened. She took a step towards Barry, who still felt uneasy. The way Linda was looking at him was almost pitying.

“I’m not angry, Barry, I swear.” Linda said in a honeyed voice. “But, I do think that we should call it.”

“W-Wh- Wait, can we talk about this? What do you mean?”

“Look, I know how difficult and awkward it is to pursue someone new when you’re still not over someone.”

Barry held Linda’s hands. “I am over the girl from the ball.” He said it with such conviction it was believable. Barry may have even believed it himself. “I proposed Friday’s ball because I wanted to announce our relationship to the Kingdom.”

Linda was stunned.

“I- I was looking for you all over the Palace grounds because I wanted to ask you if umm- If you would like to ummm- Take our relationship to that uh- Next stage.”

Linda’s eyes darted back and forth. She looked conflicted. “Barry, I gave you an out.”

“I don’t want an out.” He said firmly.

“I don’t want to court someone who’s pining for someone else.”

“I’m not pining for anyone else. Linda, you are the only one I want to pursue.” The Prince insisted. “I will prove it to you.”

Barry dropped Linda’s hands abruptly and went to the pantry. He knocked over things as he carelessly searched the shelves for a specific food. Linda had complied that the Palace lacked the wide array of spices and seasonings she was accustomed to back home. To surprise her, Barry had the chef order a peppers. When he found the container of peppers, he grabbed one and showed it to Linda.

“This is the Bhut jolokia, or the ‘ghost pepper’. It is the world’s hottest pepper, measuring 401.5 times hotter than tabasco sauce.” Barry explained. “If you do not agree to attend the ball as my guest of honor, I will eat it. Right here, right now.”

The concern on Linda’s face morphed into humor. “You’re bluffing.” She accused.

“I never bluff.”

Barry bit off half the pepper. At first, it wasn’t unbearable. But, the pepper soon scorched his tongue. It took all of Barry’s resilience to maintain his dignified, determined stare at Linda.

“Are you ok?” She asked.

“I’m fine, yes.” lied Barry.

“Are you sure?”

“Mmm hmm.” He hummed. But, it was no use. Barry couldn’t handle to pepper’s sting any longer. He spat it up on the floor.

Linda lurched back to avoid having the partially chewed pepper hit her shoes.

“Yes, yes.” She shrieked. “I’ll go the ball with you.” She ran to the refrigerator and grabbed a carton of milk for Barry. “That pepper could have killed you, you nerd.”

Barry guzzled down the entire carton. “Mmm, thank you.” He grunted.

Linda giggled. “My Prince and spice champion.”

The pleasant burn of her kiss helped Barry forget about the painful burn of the pepper.

♥　♡　♥　♡　♥　♡　♥　♡　♥　♡　♥　♡　♥

Iris found Leonard Snart at a bar much sleazier looking than Dunkards. It was empty except for Snart and the barmaid, who’s cigarette smoke floated through the room, giving the impression it was filled ghosts.

Iris took a deep breath for confidence, but grew to regret it when the smoke choked her.

Hearing her cough, Snart turned to from the bar to look at Iris.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the daughter of old man West. I think you’re in the wrong bar. Come to check out the competition?”

Iris stood tall, not allowing herself to get intimidated. “I have business proposal for you.”

“Really?” Snart drawled. His sneer was identical to his sister’s. “I don’t think a girl the poorest family in the Kingdom has a good grasp on business. I’ll pass.”

“I have a problem you can help me with.” Iris told him.

“You must be pretty desperate to come asking for my assistance, but I’ll bite. What do you need?”

“A carriage.”

Snart laughed. “A carriage?”

“Yes.” Iris took a seat next to him and whispered, “I happened to know you came into possession of quite a few very recently.”

Snart’s eyes narrowed. He looked Iris up and down. “What are you implying?”

“I saw you and your gang in Jax’s garage the other night. You rode off with every carriage he had.”

“Careful, West.” Snart warned. “If you say you see crazy things like that, well, you might end up unable to see at all.”

Iris was expecting a threat and came prepared. Without breaking eye contact with Snart, she pulled a few sheets of parchment out of her pocket and slapped them down on the bar.

“You won’t be able to blind everyone who sees this.”

It was an article Iris wrote up, detailing the crime. Snart looked over the paper. He had a commendable poker face, but Iris caught a flicker of worry in his eyes.

“Once there’s a witness confirming Jax’s story of the robbery and everyone’s read about it, there won’t be a bar in the Kingdom you can hide in.”

“Cold.” Snart said. “Not bad, for your first time blackmailing someone, but you really shouldn’t have given me this sneak preview. There’s nothing stopping me from icing you and having my friend burn this to ash.”

“I have a journalist friend who would just love to publish this story in South Side Print News.” Iris informed Snart. “I already sent him a copy, as well a few other journalists I know, just in case this one mysterious catches fire.”

It was a bluff. Iris had more copies of the article, but they were all in her bedroom. She couldn’t send this to Scott or any journalist and expect them not to publish it right away.

“You’ve already been taken in by the Royal Guards several times, haven’t you? I’m sure they’re losing patients with you, Leonard, and you know what happens when they lose patients.” Iris said menacingly.

To her shock, Snart’s lips curled into a sinister smile. “Alright West, you got me.” He conceded. “So, why the need for a carriage?”

“I need to go to the ball at the Palace on Friday.”

“You’re blackmailing me so you can go a ball?” Snart questioned.

“I love a good party.”

“If I’m your coachman you’ll hand over every copy of this article?”

“Simple as that.” Iris confirmed.

Snart huffed. “You sure you don’t want to throw in a pretty dress too?”

“As a matter of fact,”

[xswestallen]

I know I have no time, but mark my words, one day I am actually going to write the WestAllen Sleeping Beauty AU I once talked about. I’m going to dedicate it @westallen94 too, because nobody love fairytale AUs like she does.

[xswestallen]

I really like you CinderIris fanfic, which is weird because I typically dislike fanfics based on fairytales. Keep up the good work!

Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!! I got the idea for the au and wrote the first two chapters on a whim. I am overwhelmed by people’s support for it. It’s now my most popular WestAllen fic! I’m so proud of it and so glad people like it. 

I think Cinderella is the most iconic fairytale love story and I was so inspired to make a WestAllen Cinderella au because I think WestAllen is the best love story ever.