Chapter 8- Stay

Cisco

"Dude why are you so early today? Don't you have to be at the station?" Cisco commented as he entered to his most favorite place in the world. His job.

Barry stood in the middle of the cortex, a cup of coffee in his hand as he kept his head down. His hair seemed unusually messy, his navy blue button down was open revealing his grey shirt.

An unusual attire for the ever polished Barry Allen. On most days, Barry would have his button downs buttoned with a cardigan over it. He would greet the group with a big white smile but to today none of that was present. Something's wrong. Cisco thought as he dropped his coat and sachal on his desk looking at Barry suspiciously.

" I-I I thought I would stop by for a while. Want to make sure Caitlin is alright, she was kinda...very wasted last night." Barry mumbled not meeting Cisco's eyes.

Cisco narrowed his eyes at Barry, suspicion increasing as he noticed Barry checking the entrance multiple times. He seemed jittery, anxious for the arrival of Caitlin. Maybe the idiot finally remembers something. Cisco thought as he shook his head in amusement, I hope he does. I miss not having bro time. Cisco nodded his head, playing along with Barry's act.

"So how was last night? Anything interesting happen?" Cisco asked as he started to look through his equipment and sort through his sketches of possible machines. Building was never over, it was a cycle that Cisco enjoyed infinitely more than watching movies.

Sorting through his equipment but maiming his peripheral vision on Barry, he noticed Barry shift uncomfortably. Something did happen. Called it. Cisco mentally high fives himself, gleefully he stared at Barry waiting for his explanation.

"Uh-" Before Barry could give a proper response, Caitlin bust through the door. Her hair which had been tied into a ponytail was loosened, a couple of strands framed her face. Her cheeks were pink, her eyes filled with an unfamiliar fear.

"Ronnie. He is hurt." Caitlin bawled as she took Cisco by the hand and dragged him to the parking lot. Barry ran along behind them looking at Caitlin with an emotion Cisco had never seen before.

"What happened to him?!" Cisco yelled, over whelmed by the stech and clear sign of bruises on his face.

Cisco had never met Ronnie before. Caitlin had started working at Star Labs long after she had ended their relationship. "How does he look like?" Cisco had said one day after he and Caitlin had gotten closer. "He has the body of a model, short black hair, a pair dark brown eyes….Many girls thought he was the most handsome man in Central City." Caitlin had told Cisco when he asked her to describer her childhood-high school sweetheart.

"Then why did you break up with him." Cisco remarked as he stood wide eyed. If he was perfect why didn't she stay with him?

"Because he didn't stay. He wasn't the one." Caitlin replied sadly as she fixed her dress, pulling a loose hair behind her hair.

"But now that, that is done I have to focus on other things." Caitlin finished as she took her clipboard and went back to studying Gord. The giant Gorilla took a liking to Cailin preferring her and Dr. Wells over all other people.

"I-I don't know! He just appeared out of nowhere. We need to get him somewhere safe, I need to examine him."

Caitlin ordered Cisco to help Barry in carrying Ronnie who was currently unconscious. Caitlin hurried ahead of them, setting up the equipment that was required.

Her eyes were filled with unshed tears, her body was shaking, her breathing was labored. "This can not be happening again." Caitlin muttered as she ripped Ronnie's clothes off, gasping when she saw all the bruises on his body. Dried blood on every corner.

"Guys I need you to get out." Caitlin ordered as she pushed both Cisco and Barry out of the room. Cisco and Barry tried to respond back, no doubt about to tell her that they would help her. "Get out!" Caitlin finished as she started working on fixing his wounds.

Once Barry and Cisco were out of the room, Cisco noticed Barry's tense body. His jaw was set in a straight line, his eyes a darker shade of green. He put his hands in his pocket looking at the room in front of him.

Barry looked at the window, noticing Caitlins rushed movements as she kept treating Ronnie.

"Who is he?" Barry asked as he looked at Cisco expectantly.

Cisco waited to out his words in a proper sentence. I can't say a lie but at the same time how much should I reveal? "Ronnie. or Ronald Raymond….Ronnie for short." Cisco babbled as he put his hand behind his head.

"And." Meaning what is his relationship with Caitlin.

"His….His Caitlin's ex." Cisco finished lamely looking at Barry for any sort of emotion.

Barry's eyes darkened a bit more, clenching his hands he turned away from the window. "Oh." He responded as his demeanor seemed to turn a bit more sad.

…

Barry

Barry hadn't gotten any sleep after he had dropped Caitlin in her apartment. The picture of them together was constantly on his mind. We might have met before, but that does not mean we were together. Barry though as tossed a handball back and forth, catching it and throwing it more. Maybe we were friends…..But then why wouldn't she tell me.

Realizing he was not going to get enough sleep, Barry got up as early as possible. He needed to talk to Caitlin and ask her what that picture represented. Leaving a note to his father, telling him he was leaving early for work, Barry left.

Barry restrained himself from running to Star Labs, he needed to walk, clear his head a little. He couldn't just barge into Star Labs unannounced. It took him 20 minutes but soon he arrived.

"Ah Mr. Allen. How are you in this fine day?" Dr. Wells greeted Barry as he wheeled to Barry's side. Barry shifted uncomfortably, "I came here to talk to Caitlin." Barry said simply looking at Dr. Wells.

"Ah I see that you guys have gotten closer." Wells commented, smirking as he pushed back his glasses.

"Well-"

"Look Mr. Allen, I am going to make things clear. While I would really love for Caitlin to be happier, I need you to understand that if there would ever be anything more between you two, you could risk the health of Ms. Snow." Barry stood back not really understanding how Wells could understand the emotions he had.

"It was never-"

"You two have an undeniable chemistry, that I must admit. But if you want to speak on your feelings you should know some of the outcomes. Do you know what could happen if any of the meta-humans knew how close you and Caitlin are? They could use her against you, they would hurt her to hurt you." Wells finished looking at Barry before he existed the cortex.

Barry stood there thinking. Dr. Wells is right. I don't want to put her in danger. Deep in his thoughts, Barry didn't notice Cisco enter the cortex. Creating a somewhat accurate excuse Barry replied to Cisco. He knows something is up, Barry thought as he looked at Cisco who was giving him a suspicious look.

"Uh" Barry was about to tell Cisco the truth, maybe he knows something. But then Caitlin burst through the door, her ponytail loosened, eyes all big and wide.

"Ronnie his hurt!" Caitlin screamed as she grabbed Cisco and dragged him out to the parking lot.

Barry fists tightened at the mention of Ronnie. His name felt familiar but it brought very negative feelings with it. Who the hell is Ronnie? Barry thought as he chased after Caitlin and Cisco.

Barry's eyes widened at the sight of a man about their age, maybe slightly older with shoulder length black hair. His shirt stank of an unfamiliar smell, blood peeking out through his torso. He looked beat up, food deprived and the complete definition of sick.

"I-I don't know! He just appeared out of nowhere. We need to get him somewhere safe, I need to examine him." Caitlin desperately spoke up her body was shaking. She kept looking at Ronnie helplessly examining all of his body.

Barry found himself staring at Caitlin, his shoulders tensing. There was just something about the way that Caitlin was treating this Ronnie guy, that didn't settle with him. Come on Barry, she's a doctor this is what she is supposed to do. Barry kept repeating to himself as he tried to relax.

Once all of the were in the Cortex, Caitlin rushed Ronnie to her medical table screaming at Barry and Cisco to get out. Barry stepped back hurt that she wanted him away from her, it shouldn't have hurt as much as it did.

"Who is he?" Barry asked darkly as he wrapped his shoulders against himself. He saw the way the Cisco tensed, his eyes going to Cailin nervously. Without waiting for Cisco's response, Barry got a bit closer to Caitlins work area.

"Ronnie. or Ronald Raymond….Ronnie for short." Cisco babbled as he put his hand behind his head. He looked like he was being tested, as if he was failing.

"And." Barry persisted as he looked to Caitlin's lab and noticed her rushed movements.

"His….His Caitlin's ex." Cisco finished lamely looking at Barry with an apologetic look.

Oh. So I guess me and Caitlin never were together. Barry thought as he tried to have cheerful thoughts. Think about what Dr wells told you. Besides you would have never been able to woo Caitlin even if you would have tried. Barry though sadly as his shoulders fell, his smile fading for the rest of the day.

Barry walked into the halls of the Lab, dragging his feet he dug through his jean pocket in search of his phone. Scrolling through his list of Contacts he dialed the unfamiliar number that had been added just last night.

"Hey. Um this is Barry…..Barry Allen. You know from the bar….Yeah...Yeah so listen….."

Caitlin

Ronnie is okay. Good. Caitlin thought as she let out a breath. Her blood pressure was definitely high, especially since she forgot to eat breakfast in the morning but Ronnie was okay and for now that is all that mattered. Maybe I should ask Barry to get breakfast with me afterwards. Caitlin thought smiling a little as she thought back to the bar last night. Her memories were foggy, but now that some time passed she remembered going up to the stage, completely drunk out of her mind and singing to their song. Can't believe I did that. She shook her head as she was about to walk out.

"Cait." Ronnie called out to her, gaining back some of his conscious.

"Yes Ronnie?" Caitlin asked as she rushed to his side, taking note of his heart rate. Much better than before, that is for sure.

"Thank you for helping me out." He barely let out as he went back to sleep. He was exhausted no doubt.

Caitlin nose twitched, the smell of Ronnie oder finally getting to her.

"No problem." She replied gently as she stared at him intensely. It had been almost 3 years since she had last seen, spoke or heard of him. He looked horrible. But he was alive.

I wonder what happened to him. Caitlin though as she looked over his reports. He looked as if he had been tortured. Shaking her thoughts away she let her feet take her to the room where Barry's treadmill was. She sat down, looking at the wall in front of her. Seeing Ronnie after all this time was very shocking but at the same time very...therapeutic. Seeing Ronnie made her realize something very important. She couldn't live without Barry. She needed to tell Barry the truth once and for all. His the only person I want to take care of, the only person who matters to me.

"Hey." Barry interrupted her thoughts as he entered the room taking a seat next to Caitlin. For about 5 to 10 min they just stood there not talking just staring at the wall in front of them. Caitlin smiled slightly leaning to his side just a little bit, just to feel his warmth. It feels like before. Maybe we are finally getting somewhere.

"I didn't mean to scream at you like that." Caitlin whispered as she stared at Barry who kept his focus on the wall ahead of him. I shouldn't have screamed at him. I need to apologize to Cisco later.

"It okay. I get it." Barry responded as he looked at her for the first time that day, "You had to take care of him." Barry finished as he refocused his attention away from him.

"I-" Caitin was about to steer the conversation into the topic of them when Barry interrupted her.

"I used to think that Iris was the girl for me. I've known her ever since I can remember. I've had a crush on her for a long time too. For a while I thought that she was going to be the mother of my children. But yesterday when we were talking I realized I didn't love her anymore. Not in that way." Barry started, as he started playing with his fingers.

Caitlins heart quicked, this was it. Barry finally remembered her.

"I think everybody's been right about me. I have been hung up on Iris for way too long. And when we were out on the bar last night, I realized that they were right. I have my whole life ahead of me, but I should live as if I'm are going to die the next day…..That's why I called Linda. I asked her out on a date." Barry finished.

Caitlin found herself feeling her heart breaking. Her world was shattering. She thought back to last night and everything came back to her. She was drunk out of her mind, and just as she had finished singing she asked to be excused. The door to the bathroom was closed so she had to return to her seat with Barry faster than she had anticipated. "No, she's just a friend.", she had heard Barry reply back to a very attractive female.

Caitlin remembered the disappointment she had felt. I thought he would at least say that we were on a date. Caitlin remembered thinking sadly as she stood behind a man in hopes to overhear their conversation. After hearing Linda give Barry her number, her stomach had twisted knots. She wanted to go home. And so she begged Barry to take her away from the bar.

"Really?" Caitlin asked weakly as she looked towards the door wanting for someone to interpret them. This is too much I need to leave. He doesn't remember me and now he is moving on. Caitlin thought as tears started forming in her eyes.

"Yeah, I called her and she told me yes. I have to plan it out, but I am sure everything will go smoothly."Barry smiled weakly as he laughed without humor.

"Thats-Thats great. I am very happy for you." Caitlin cheered falsely as she thought of something else to say. Thankfully Cisco barged through the doors looking at Caitlin he told her that Ronnie had woken up.

"And no problem I told him to take a quick shower and shave." Cisco joked as he left. Caitlin excused herself as she swiftly went out.

She needed to hold in her tears. She needed to pretend as if nothing bothered her. But she couldn't. Barry's words kept repeating over and over again, running through her mind making her feel like a food. I guess we weren't meant to be. Maybe happily ever afters do not exist. Maybe I was crazy to think that someone would finally stay.

[I was going to stop there but I decided to give you a treat for not updating in two days like I had originally said.]

"Hey." Caitlin choked as she almost let her tears take over, but she cleared her throat and looked at Ronnie.

He was a million times better. Standing up slightly, his hair tied back into a ponytail, wearing a Star Labs sweatshirt. His familiar brown eyes were back to normal, not looking as they had when she had first seen him.

"Hey Cait...long time no see huh?" Ronnie joked smirking slightly as he gestured for her to get closer.

Caitlin moved to his bed side looking at him and smirking at him slightly.

"I thought you were going to die." Caitlin confessed as she started at the monitor.

"But I didn't. Thanks for taking care of me. I know we ended in bad terms so I was kinda nervous as to how you were going to react." Ronnie told her honestly taking her hand in his and giving it a friendly squeeze.

"I am a doctor, it's my job. But what happened, why were you in that state?" Caitlin wondered out loud looking at Ronnie waiting for his answer.

Ronnie grimaced, turning the other way while dropping her hand. "...Lets not talk about that now. Instead you should tell me why are you so sad."

Ronnie looked at her gently, brushing away a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I-I uh it's nothing really." Caitlin choked as tears finally escaped her eyes. She was shaking with emotion, Barry's words swirling through her mind. She lost him.

"Hey you're okay. You know you can talk to me right?" Ronnie pointed out as she nodded her head.

Before they had started dating, Ronnie had been with her every since her parents divorce. He was her fathers best friends son, so they regularly saw one another. In the months that the divorce took place, Ronnie had assured her that everything was going to be fine. She had been 8 back then while Ronnie had been 11 years old. They were in the same grade only because she skipped some of her grade levels.

When the divorce had been finalized, she stopped seeing Ronnie for a while, his father thought it wasn't polite to associate with his best friend's ex-wife so her friendship with Ronnie lessened a bit. When they had began high school, she was the nerd. The girl everyone thought of as weird. There was a point in her life when she was briefly bullied for her incredible intelligence.

But once again Ronnie had saved her. Protecting her from the bullies who teased her. He was the popular jock, the one every girl wanted to date, the boy every guy wanted to be. After he had stood up for her no one had dared to bully her again.

She was grateful for Ronnie but did not associate with him until her junior year of high school. He needed help in chemistry so he asked for her to tutor him. It was then that he asked her to be his girlfiend. She had refused but Ronnie never backed down from a challenge, and so he persisted until she agreed.

They had been...happy for five years. Untill she said the wrong thing and he left. To be honest she didn't miss the relationship that they had, no she was grateful to have ended that relationship because that's how she met Barry. But she could not lie and say she hadn't missed Ronnies words. Ronnies comfort, he always knew what to say to make her feel better.

"I think I lost the man I love." Caitlin stated simply waiting for Ronnie to ask for her to elaborate. He didnt.

"After we broke up, I thought that I was going to die. You always were the girl of my dreams. When I was 11 I remember telling my father that you were going to be the girl I would marry some day. He would shake his head and tell me that I was always a dreamer. After I defended you from those bullies I had hoped you would talk to me again. You didn't and I remember feeling like you were way out of my league. But then I created this excuse, and you tutored me and I drove you down and you became mine." Caitlin waited for Ronnie to elaborate.

"We were content for five years but we weren't were we were supposed to be. After we broke up I went to Coast City and I met this girl. She was a cop, talking a lot, the complete opposite of what you were. But I loved her. But the night that the particle accelerator occurred, she...she died. I was mad at you for a while, I was about to come here and tell you off but then something happened. And while I was there I realized that I needed to get to you. Not because I love you like that anymore but because I was connected to you. I could tell something was wrong. And I guess what I am trying to say is that...everything happens for a reason. We might not know the reason now but eventually we will." Ronnie finished as he pulled her into another hug.

"The thing is, that I don't know what I am going to do without him." Caitlin broke down as Ronnie rubbed her back.

"Have you seen your parents?" Ronnie asked her as she pulled back to shake her head no.

She hadn't seen them since they disowned her. Since she had broken up with Ronnie.

"I think we should take a trip to Starling City."

….

"Cait I need to talk to you! Barry is going on a date, oh man we should tell him the truth." Cisco said worriedly as he ran his hand through his hair looking at her with panic.

"I think….I think we should not interject. Maybe it was never meant to be. Maybe the universe is telling me something." Telling Cisco was hard.

"But Cait you and Barry belong together!" Cisco cried out completely in shock by her words.

"If we do then we will get back together someday. But for now I guess it isn't meant to be."

"Cait I think you should think-"

"I need to go. It hurts too much." Caitlin interjected cutting off Cisco.

"Go? Where?"

"Home. I need to see my parents. I need to go to Starling City." Caitlin clarified.

"Starling City! What for?" Barry asked as he went inside the room. Caitlin tried to hide her emotions but she found herself avoiding eye contact with Barry.

"To see my parents." Caitlin answered fidgeting with her engagement ring. Guess I don't need this now.

"I'll go with you-"

"No." Caitlin stopped him taking a step back. The whole point of this trip was to mend her broken heart.

"But Starling City is filled with violence. You can't go by yourself!" Barry was panicking, he couldn't lose Caitlin even if he wasn't with her.

"That's why I am going with her." Ronnie spoke up, putting his hand behind Caitlins back.

"Thats an excellent idea. I think Caitlin needs a week off, she has been overworking herself." Wells agreed giving Caitlin her blessing to leave work.

"But-"

"I have to pack." Caitlin looked at Barry coldly, she walked ahead of him leaving Star Labs.

"Wait Caitlin!" Barry ran in front of her stopping her from walking away.

"What?"

"Did I do something wrong?" Barry asked tentatively making her look at him in the eyes.

"No."

"So stay. I need my doctor. Please stay." Barry pleaded for her to stay.

"I-I can't" Caitlin rushed out before she left in a hurry. She couldn't stay one minute longer otherwise she would have cried and she would have poured her heart out.

This is for my own good. I need some time off.

Done! Did you like it? I must admit I was not expecting myself to end on that note but I honestly like it. I feel that for a couple to survive and to see if they are meant for each other they need to spend some time away. While Caitlin has seen what it feels like, Barry hasn't. I also want Caitlin to grow more independent, she is someone who I admire so I want her to be strong. Ronnie, I love him but as you can see he doesn't mean anything romantic. He loves Caitlin yes, but he realized that he sees her like a sister, he had a girlfriend who he loved and wink wink maybe you guys know who it is?

Anyways… I am making Caitlin be originally from Staling City! Any thoughts? And guess what? Next week were are going to see Felicity Smoak and Oliver Queen! YESSSSSS!

Sorry for updating late but I had tons of homework. Never procrastinate guys, it will lead to no good.

I told you guys this story was going to be completely different from the show, I included some scenes from episode 3. I Hope you enjoyed!

Responds to comments!

Fan- here you go!

mette- Thanks so much, I appreciate the comment and I am really glad you are enjoying it!

Linda324-Thanks

DailyDani- Thanks for liking it.

Raquel-Hope you weren't to bothered by the events that took place.

Dante 101-She was about to tell him the truth until Linda happened. And wink, Linda isn't like how she is on the show. ;)

queenacev-Here ya go.

Flash frost-Thanks for reviewing! Means the world to be! Since you reviewed quite a lot this is going to be your only response for this chapter haha. Anyways hope you liked this chapter and please leave what you think will happen next.

- Here ya go! Is this enough jealousy? Are you full because there will be more up ahead.

Boba- Patty? Did you hear a reference? Wink wink

Guest- Thanks here ya go.

Mr. Panda- Yes I am proud, and it is all thanks to people like you! Thanks so much for reviewing!

anniecall- Yes I love who plays Ronnie. He's so good looking lol. And same don't like them together but if Barry wasn't in the picture I would have definitely shipped them.

bluestriker666-Thanks so much

FaberryBRA-:X

jujurego-Here you go.

BookWorm2the2ndPower- Sorry for the delay!

thekiller00- I hope you weren't to disappointed.

ARelis 215- You weren't too off with your prediction! What do you think will happen next.

That's it guys! Happy Flash Tuesday! Question of the day- When do you think Killer Frost will appear in the Flash? And do you want to see her in this fic? What are you favorite stories from Snowbarry in Fanfiction? I want to read some!

And oh em gee tonight's episode! Lets See if we can get 30+ Reviews? Btw Boba asked when I am going to update and the truth is I have no idea, definitely not long but I cant this week because I have things to do but expect more after this week is over. Maybe 2 times a week again