Catalyst (probably not going to update anymore, don't watch the show anymore)

Barry walked me up the stairs to our apartment so I could finally go home after a week of hell. He stopped in front of the door, and placed the key into both of the locks; quickly, the door opened, and inside was with lit candles and completely spotless.

"Welcome home," He laughed.

I stepped inside carefully, because this place seemed so unfamiliar to me. "Barry," I whispered feeling depressed still, "I'm so sorry."

He took my hands and stood in front of me. "You didn't do anything wrong," Barry sighed trying to get my eyes to look at his.

"Yes I did," I quietly cried, "I feel so used."

Barry quickly wrapped his arms around my torso, and I wrapped my arms around his neck burying my face into it. "You're going to be ok," He whispered stroking the back of my head.

"No, I won't," I sniffled, "Every time I close my eyes all I see is his red eyes staring at me; I'm so scared of him."

Barry pressed his lips against the top of my head for what seemed like eternity, and it did help me feel better by standing in his embrace completely silent except for our synchronized breaths.

I smiled shyly, "Barry, I'm grateful for every day we have together."

"I am too," He smiled and placed his lips on my cheek near my ear.

It was now the evening and I was doing much better mentally.

Barry stood in the kitchen preparing our spaghetti and meatballs and garlic bread, and I was drinking a glass of red wine waiting for dinner to get done. I joined Barry in the kitchen and noticed that he seemed tense, so I wrapped my arms around his waist and rested my head on his back.

"You're cute," I laughed, "and kind of sexy when you make me food," Barry smiled, and I smiled too, "I feel so much better now."

Barry said shyly, "That's good."

He turned around facing me, and I could see how nervous he felt. "Are you ok, Bar?" I asked quietly.

Barry opened his mouth like he was going to say something, but no words came out; he did the next best thing, wrap his arms around me tightly. I rested my head in the crook of his neck, and I stroked his back lightly.

The only sound to be heard for thirty seconds was the song "Let It Go" by James Bay. Barry's heart pounded against my chest as he whispered in my ear, "...I love you, Finn."

"Barry," I sighed.

Barry explained quietly, "This is embarrassing, but I had to ask Joe how to know if you loved someone and he told me that I already knew the answer—it was the way I felt about you. When we tried to catch Wells, I was ready to go home and tell you once everything was over...but then he took you and it broke my heart. When Eddie told us what was happening, it made me want to save you even more, so I could tell you...that I love you.

"Ever since I lost my mom and my dad I forgot what it felt like to love someone the way I do, but when I met you it brought that feeling back. I tried so hard to keep you safe from all of this, because I was scared of losing the only person I felt this way towards. When we set the trap I was so terrified of losing you that I did.

"I know that this might be the absolute worst time to tell you all of this, but I just can't keep this a secret any more even though the timing is awful. Even before we talked to Gideon I knew you were the one and that I was hopelessly in love with you, but now I can't keep any more of my true feelings inside, Finn—I love you so much..."

I wiped the tear away from my eyes, "Barry," I smiled, "I love you too."

nescp*