SNOWBARRY: Sometimes Runs, Sometimes Can't

Chapter 1

The bright morning sun was shining above Central City. 

It was a quiet day for the CCPD, and the fastest man alive. Nothing to chase. No crimes, no meta-human attacks.

Everything was back to normal... except it wasn't quite as it seemed.

"Barry, you should definitely check this out," yelled Cisco, pointing at the screen.

There was a new device he was interested in adding to Barry's suit. Ehm, excuse me, to their suit.

Barry often thought that the more gadgets he carried, the more vulnerable he became against enemies. However, on the other hand, he was a man of science who loved tracking cameras, detectors, and all the other advanced technology. They made him feel like Superman wearing a Tony Stark suit.

"Wow, what does it do?" Barry asked with a certain excitement that made Cisco beam with pride for impressing The Flash himself.

"Dude, I'm a genius. I can't wait for you to try it," Cisco said, enthusiasm spilling from every word. "But no spoilers. When the time comes, you'll find out."

The problem was Dr. Wells. He believed the devices would only distract Barry, and he had no patience for Cisco's meddling.

"With or without it, I'm pretty sure you're still the fastest man alive, Barry Allen," Caitlin said as she entered the lab, coffee mug in one hand and papers in the other.

Her voice instantly made S.T.A.R. Labs feel lighter. Barry was always happy to see her; Caitlin could comfort and support anyone. And even though she hadn't been the most cheerful person these last few weeks, she still managed to brighten up the place.

"Thank you," Barry said, grinning, expecting a smile in return. 

But instead, he saw her frowning, buried in papers. Though she tried to hide it behind her golden curls.

"Caitlin, shall we do a Jitters run?" Barry asked, hoping she'd agree, so he could talk to her.

"Actually, now's not the best time. I have some things to do," she replied.

"Like what? Central City doesn't exactly need saving today," he gestured at the monitors.

"It's papers mostly. It's a thesis... thing," Caitlin said, while trying to look busy with her papers and scrambled for an excuse to avoid talking about what was on her mind.

"O-kay... need a hand?" Barry asked, wearing his usual confused expression, only to be cut off immediately.

"No, no. No need. I'm fine."

She'd never acted so strangely before, and it made Barry wonder. Since when was paperwork more important?

Cisco, of course, was too absorbed in his invention to follow their conversation. He lifted his head only when Barry vanished without so much as a see you later but he just assumed his friend had gotten hungry again.

***

Maybe she was just having a bad morning, Barry told himself as he went for a coffee run to Jitters. 

He grabbed coffees for the three of them, despite the mug he saw in Caitlin's hand earlier. He grabbed one of the lemony desserts she kept saying she'd order but never did,  in hopes to make it better. 

He'd paid. Bills barely touching the counter as he prepared to disappear. With coffees and a paper bag in hand, Barry caught a glance of Iris at the door. 

Grinning at the sight of him, she quickened her step with that glare in her eyes, which made her onyx eyes pop.

"Barry! Here so early?" she asked, poking him playfully in that way one would with the person they're most comfortable with.