chances

Warning: mature language and scenesfirst personword count: 3,60011:56 am | the flash is Central City'shero — and now he's yours

I was already late for work. I checked my watch as the train seemed to move slower. I had to be at work at 12, and I began to accept my fate.

I really wish I had a car.

I yawned as the train came to a stop. I fitted my apron around my waist as I prepared to run to make my shift. The doors opened, and I bolted for the stairs. As I emerged onto the bustling street, I bumped past so many people. I looked down at my watch again.

11:58 am

Shit! I will make it!

Just as I had to cross the street, the pedestrian light switched to the red hand. I squealed in disbelief. Suddenly, I went blind for a second, and I was standing in front of the coffee shop. I looked around, and suddenly I felt like I couldn't breathe.

What just happened?

I looked up and saw a face smiling at me from the roof. I recognized the suit from the news.

Flash.

I couldn't make out his face, but he waved and disappeared. I smiled to myself, walking into work by 12. He saved me—at least from my boss.

4:06 pm | a few weeks later

I poured a few cappuccinos, boxing them up and handing them to a customer. They threw a couple dollars in the tip jar and left quickly.

"Next!" I called, shutting the register. When I looked up, a guy flashed a wonderful smile at me.

"Just coffee," he said. I smiled at him.

"$3.75," I told him. He slid a couple bills to me, and I handed him a quarter. He was about to leave, but he reversed his steps.

"Do I know you from somewhere?" He asked. I shook my head, unable to take my eyes off of him.

"No, I'm sorry," I said. He scratched his head. He realized he was holding up the line.

"My name is Barry. Barry Allen."

"(y/n)," I replied. Barry grinned wider.

"You thinking of working here still?" He asked. My cheeks reddened.

"Now I am," I breathed. Barry winked at me before he moved to grab his coffee.

9:05 pm

I locked the door behind me, sighing after a long day serving coffee. When I turned, I saw a familiar face walking down the street, stacks of folders in his hand.

"Barry?" I asked. He looked up, meeting my gaze.

"Hey," he replied. "Wow, you've been working awhile."

I nodded.

"Can I walk you home, then? It's kinda late," Barry offered. I smiled and agreed, and he offered me his arm. I took it, and he put his folders and papers into his bag.

"So, (y/n), what can you tell me about yourself?" Barry asked. I bit my lip. His expression was relaxed.

"Uh, I work here. I moved to Central City just a few years ago, I needed a change of scenery."

"Where did you grow up?" He asked.

I grinned. People loved when I told them where I'm from. "Hollywood, California."

Barry laughed. "That's awesome! With all the movie stars?"

I shook my head. "There's not as many stars there as you think. Occasionally, but rare. But, I really needed to get away from that. Where I lived, it was just rich, snobby people showing off their new cars. And I realized that wasn't me. You know, I could care less about which series of BMW you drove or how many diamonds were on your watch. I hated it sometimes. My best friend moved out here for school, and I decided to come with. And I've been here ever since."

Barry gave you a soft smile. "Well, you have an interesting past. I like it."

"What about you, Barry?"

"Me? Lived here my whole life. I did get struck by lightning though, about a year ago."

My eyes widened. "What? What are the odds of that?! Oh, my goodness," I breathed. I squeezed his arm, feeling so sorry for him.

"Don't give me that look," he chuckled. "It was . . . the best thing to happen to me."

My jaw dropped. "Getting struck by lightning, a horrible and painful experience with unbelievable chances of that even happening, was the best thing to ever happen to you?!"

"Well, what were the chances of meeting you?" Barry replied. I looked up at him, and I broke out into a smile. "I like that smile."

I stopped to see where we were, and I noticed the entrance to my train.

"Well, Barry, I got to catch the train home. It was nice to see you."

"I said I would walk you home, didn't I?" He retorted. I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Well, I know, but are you even going this way—?"

"I am now." Barry looked both ways before guiding me across the street and descending down the stairs with me. I bit my lip to keep from smiling.

Who is this guy?

8:46 pm | a week later

I served my last decaf cappuccino, smiling at them through my exhaustion. After 6:30, it was always just me. I took my apron off, stuffing it inside my purse.

Suddenly, I heard the bell chime on the door, and I silently cursed myself. When I stood up, Barry's smiling face was at the door. I felt my heart jump a little, and I walked around the counter.

"Barry! What are you doing here?"

He smiled, scratching the back of his head. "I, uh, noticed you work late on Wednesdays, so I came to take you home."

My heart fluttered. "Oh. Thank you. But I can walk home by myself, I'm a big girl."

"Central City has been kind of . . . on the rocks lately? I just wanted to make sure you were okay," Barry told me. I reached him, giving him a hug. He was surprised, but put his arms around me.

"I've missed you around here," I said softly. Barry chuckled.

"I missed you," he replied gently. I looked up at him, pulling away.

"You know what? Let's get a drink," I suggested. Barry nodded in agreement."

"Sure, whatever you want."

11:05 pm

I laughed loudly, signaling to the bartender for another round of vodka and soda. I was starting to feel dizzy, but Barry was just staring at me cutely.

". . . it was so bad! I was wearing pink highlights, and a gold dress! To prom!" I cried, laughing hard. Barry chuckled as the bartender handed me another drink. I took a big gulp, swallowing hard as it burned the back of my throat.

"Okay, okay, I need . . . I think we should go home, Barr," I purred, grabbing his shoulder. Barry held his hand up to pay. I shook my head. "No, no! Barry, Barry, let me give the man the checks . . ."

Barry put a twenty on the counter, and I grumbled at him.

"C'mon, (y/n), let's get you home," he said softly. I slipped off the chair, stumbling a little. Barry caught me, lifting my legs and holding me. I put my arms around his neck and whined like a baby. Barry concentrated on walking outside while I grabbed at his hair and his face, cooing.

"Oh, Barry, look at how pretty your smile is," I giggled. He smiled down at me. "Barry, how are still—" I hiccuped, "—so awake?"

"You're just a light weight," he commented, testing my legs by putting me down on the ground. I was wobbly, but I could walk. I glared at him.

"I am not a lightweight," I pouted. "We've been—" Hiccup, "—drinking all-lllllll night."

I giggled and leaned against him. Barry put his arm around my waist and supported me.

"Okay, let's go," Barry said softly. I closed my eyes for a few seconds, and when I opened them we were at my doorstep.

"Oh, wow!" I hiccuped. "We got here sooooo fast. H-How did we get here so fast?"

Barry retrieved my key and helped me settle inside. As I leaned against the kitchen counter, Barry put my things on the table.

"Time for bed," Barry told me, motioning to my bedroom. I twirled over to him and latched onto his shoulders.

"Only if you come with me," I giggled, touching his cheeks. Barry smiled sadly at me.

"No, lovely, not like this. I want you to be very, very sober when that happens," he replied. Barry's eyes went wide, and he swallowed as he realized what he said. "I mean—"

"Ooooohhhh, when?" I hiccuped. My eyes felt so heavy. "At least . . . stay here. Stay with me."

Barry sighed and picked me up from underneath my legs. I cheered as I buried my head into his chest, exhausted. He helped me take my shoes off and aided me as I got underneath the covers.

I giggled as I snuggled deeper into the pillow. "Barry, please stay. Come here." I patted the spot next to me.

Barry kicked his shoes off, settling next to me. He didn't get under the covers. When he refused, I whimpered next to him.

"Barry, pleaseeee," I whined. He sighed, giving in and getting underneath the covers with me. I snuggled into him, throwing my arm over his stomach. I closed my palm over him, feeling some wonderful abdomen muscles underneath my fingers. I giggled, and Barry kissed my head. I couldn't remember anything else, as I fell asleep on his chest.

8:45 am

The sunlight hit my eyes, and I groaned. My head was hurting, and I blinked several times to try and see straight. I heard the TV going, and I realized I was leaning on someone.

I looked up, and Barry flashed me a lovely smile. I sat up straight, instantly regretting it as my head pounded.

"Oh, my God, Barry! What are you doing in my bed?" I breathed. I couldn't really remember anything, and I looked down realizing I was still wearing all my clothes.

"Good morning," Barry said softly. I shook my head.

"We didn't—?" I uttered. Barry's expression fell.

"No! No, oh God, no," he assured me, shaking his head. "No, no, I would never do that to you."

I didn't feel pain anywhere, nowhere except for my head. I believed him; he always stroked me as a good guy.

"My head . . ." I breathed. Barry handed me a couple aspirins and some orange juice. He had them waiting on the bedside table. I smiled and took them quickly.

When I turned back to Barry, he was already looking at me. I smiled at him, and his expression lifted again. I loved his smile. I leaned in slowly, placing both my hands on his chest before I kissed him.

Barry closed an arm around my waist, pulling me even closer to him. He lifted me with ease, allowing me to settle on his lap with my legs on either side of him. I pulled away from him, meeting his gaze.

"Wow," I breathed. Barry managed a loving smile, pulling me as close as he could to him.

"You're driving me crazy," he admitted, taking my hands in his. I bit my lip, our eyes meeting again. I leaned in, not yet kissing him, but letting the tension linger between us. That's when I saw red sparks in his eyes, something out of a movie. I squealed when I noticed it, totally caught off guard. I backed away from Barry, my breath heavy.

"Oh, shit, I'm sorry," Barry said quickly, blinking rapidly and rubbing his eyes. I held a hand to my lungs, breathing out.

"What the hell was that? It was . . . like a light show in there," I said shakily. Barry reached his hand out to me, and I took it hesitantly. He pulled me close to him again, relaxing as I settled in his lap again. His demeanor was calm around me.

I cupped his cheeks with my hands, forcing him to look up at me. I leaned in close again, tempting him. One hand left his cheek and made it to the back of his neck, and I saw it again in his eyes. Like red fireflies, dancing across his pupils. I laughed nervously, and Barry held me tight.

"I'm sorry, that's never happened to me before . . . with anyone," he admitted.

I guess sparks are really going off.

"Why does that happen?" I wondered, brushing his hair away from his forehead. Barry swallowed, shaking his head. "What? What is it? Barry, you can tell me."

"I'm sorry. I can't tell you." Barry shook his head. I pursed my lips. I didn't know Barry very well, and now he was beginning to admit he had secrets. I didn't like that. It made me shift in his lap, and he noticed it. He made a face, a frustrated and conflicted one. "I'm sorry, (y/n), I just . . . I just can't, Jesus, I'm sorry."

I decided to sit beside Barry, and his face deepened in its frustration.

"God, I want to tell you. I do. I just . . . I just can't."

"Can't or won't?" I asked gently, feeling hurt. Barry sighed.

"You make it sound horrible," he said softly. I looked at him.

"Barry, I don't know a lot about you. And I . . ." I paused. "I really like you. I like spending time with you. I'm attracted to you. But if you got something going on . . . like in your body. I mean, I'm not judging you, but if you have something, I just—"

When Barry began to realize what I was imposing, he sat up straighter. "Oh, (y/n), God, no! I'm not sick and I don't have anything, I just . . . I just can't tell you . . ."

"No, you won't tell me. We've established that," I replied. I was beginning to doubt what he was telling me. I didn't need a liar in my life, there's enough of that to go around in the world. If I wanted to be with Barry, things had to be handled right. We were adults, and I needed that kind of assurance. Barry's 'secret' condition had to concern me if we were going to have any kind of future, and red flags were being held up in my head at his vagueness. Barry bit his lip, taking my hand in his. "Barry . . . I think it's time for you to go."

My head pounded harder, and Barry looked up at me. "No, please, (y/n), I—"

"Are you going to tell me anything about it?" I asked gently. Barry frowned in concentration. It took him a while to think, a few minutes, and he just offered me silence again. "Okay, Barry, really, you should go."

Barry's eyes watered slightly, but he never shed a tear. I, on the other hand, already had one halfway down my cheek.

"God, (y/n), please don't cry," Barry pleaded, reaching out to wipe my tear. I flinched away from him, and Barry pulled his hand back. He sighed before getting out of my bed. He found his shoes and put them on slowly. I wiped away my tear and looked away from him. Barry circled the bed, came close to me, and kissed my forehead. "I really like you, too. I'm sorry." His voice was just a whisper.

He left without saying anything else, and as soon as I heard the door shut, I rested my head back down and shed a few more tears. I didn't sob, but I was so hurt. I thought Barry was a good guy. But something like that? I couldn't trust. Not even for him, someone so sweet and loving like that.

Barry left me with a mind full of memories and thoughts about what could've been.

5:56 pm | a few days later

I poured a regular her medium hot coffee with room for cream, giving her a smile as she dropped her change in the tip jar. She waved at me, and I let out a breath as I saw Barry open the door. I turned to my co-worker, asking him to take the register for me. He looked behind me, examining the line.

"Really, (y/n)? Him again? You know, if you're going to do this everyday, I might as well be at the register," he grumbled. I shook my head.

"No, Evan, just please do this for me." He nodded, trading places with me as I finished off his macchiato. When Barry came to the counter, he sighed, knowing it wasn't going to me. He tried to find my eyes as I worked in the back, but I refused to look up from the milk and cream I was mixing.

"Dude, she's not gonna look. She's really determined not to see you," Evan said, clearly annoyed. Barry just nodded at him, stuffing a dollar in the tip jar and turning back to leave. "How many days in a row are you gonna let him come in and not talk to you?"

"As long as it takes until he doesn't come back," I replied sadly. Evan gave me a look of pity before we traded places again. I noticed writing on the dollar Barry put in the jar, only because something was written in large black sharpie ink. I slipped my hand in, fishing for the dollar. When I retrieved it, it read, "Rooftop, 9:15, tonight."

I narrowed my eyes.

How is going to get up there without coming through the back?

9:13 pm

I sat on the edge of the roof, my legs dangling over the edge. I checked my watch and waited patiently.

What are you doing here? You called this off for a reason. You need to just go.

I turned to leave when I got blasted with a rush of cold air. Something red sparkled in my vision and then disappeared, and I gasped. I didn't know what to make of it, but it reminded me of when I was late to work. I swallowed hard.

Oh, my God, Barry didn't leave me that note. Flash did.

"Behind you," a voice said. I turned around and breathed out slow as Flash stood behind me, leaning against the rooftop access door.

"Flash," I echoed. He turned to look at me, smiling.

"Hey. How are you?" He asked. I looked around, smiling to myself.

"W-What? Me? I'm . . . I'm okay," I laughed. He grinned wider, and I admired how good he looked in red. "I haven't seen you since . . . since . . ."

"Since I got you to work on time?" He remembered. I nodded. "You should really be careful where you're sitting. It's not safe, sitting the edge there."

"Well, I'm not too worried now that you're here," I admitted.

Oh, god, are you flirting with Flash? What the hell is wrong with you?!

He chuckled. "You're going to take those chances, aren't you?"

"The odds are definitely in my favor, so yeah I will take those chances," I replied, lowering myself back onto the ground.

"How about second chances?" He asked. I shrugged.

"Yeah, I believe in that."

"Well, that's a relief," he laughed as he slid his mask off. I swallowed hard when his lovely smile became familiar.

"Barry?" I whispered. I came close to him, and I touched his shoulders. "This is real? Are you real?"

I touched his chest and his abs, his arms and his neck, his cheeks and his forehead. Barry had an amused look on his face. I crouched down and touched his legs, and Barry started laughing.

"Uh, (y/n)? What are you doing?" I realized where I was and immediately stood back up.

"I'm sorry . . . I'm sorry, this just can't be real," I breathed. Barry smiled down at me.

"So, how about second chance?" He asked. I smiled at him, nodding my head. Barry sighed in relief, wrapping his arms around my waist and putting his forehead against mine. "Good. Because I didn't realize how much I cared about you until we stopped talking. I missed you . . ."

I snickered. "Awww, Barr," I whispered, standing on my toes and kissing him softly. I pulled away and reached behind his neck, fixing his mask back onto his face.

"Why'd you do that?" He asked. I bit my lip.

"You are so hot in this suit, Barry," I commented. Barry blushed, tightening his grip on me. I kissed him again, and he chuckled between kisses. I was attracted to him even more now. Barry pulled away from me, and I let out a whine. He just laughed.

"I usually have the mask off when I talk to people that know," he told me, his hands settling dangerously low on my back. "But if you think I'm that hot—"

"You are so hot. It was pretty attractive before, but now that I know Barry Allen is under that mask, it's so much more attractive," I laughed. Suddenly, Barry's expression faded, and he lifted a hand to his ear, listening. I heard a muffled voice, but couldn't make out what they were saying. Barry sighed in disappointment as he turned back to me.

"I'm sorry, (y/n), I have to go. Duty calls," he said softly. I nodded. "I'll come find you after. Sooner than you know it."

"I hope so, Barry. You be careful. Please, be careful. I have to worry about you a hell of a lot more now." He smiled at me, shaking his head.

"You're so cute. I'll see you soon." Barry kissed my forehead, but I made sure to get another kiss from him. Before I knew it, my vision was blurred with a sparkling red, and he was gone.

And the chances of me ever letting him out of my sight anymore were zero.

Thank you so much for reading. Requests? Please read my A/N about requests and what I permit.

Love, B