Chapter 55: Meeting Her 2
Barry couldn't help but glance back at Patty as he followed Joe through the precinct. There was something magnetic about her presence, something that tugged at his attention and wouldn't let go. Her energy was infectious, her every movement a careful blend of confidence and charm. She seemed to belong here, even though she was new, like a missing piece of the puzzle finally falling into place.
In the back of his mind, Barry couldn't shake the memory of his first encounter with Patty in his past life, watching The Flash on TV. He remembered how instantly he had been drawn to her. She had a warmth that lit up the screen, a chemistry with Barry Allen that had left him wishing she'd been more than a fleeting part of the story. But this wasn't a show anymore—this was his life. And this time, he was Barry. This time, he wasn't going to let her go.
---
Throughout the day, Barry found his gaze drifting toward her more often than he cared to admit. She was quick on her feet, her movements fluid as she wove through the precinct, her blazer swishing slightly with each step. Her posture was always relaxed yet ready, her hands often tucked into her pockets or resting lightly on her hips as she spoke with officers and reviewed case files.
Her expressions were what really captivated him. She had a way of tilting her head slightly when she was intrigued, her hazel eyes narrowing just a fraction as she processed information. When she laughed, her nose crinkled just a little, and her dimples deepened. There was an authenticity in her reactions, a genuine quality that made her stand out in a sea of practiced professionalism.
Barry couldn't help but smile as he watched her engage with Joe. She was animated, her hands moving subtly as she spoke, emphasizing her points with understated but effective gestures. Joe seemed impressed, nodding along and even cracking a rare smile. Patty had a knack for putting people at ease, for drawing them into her orbit without effort.
There were moments, though, when her guard slipped. Barry noticed her pausing occasionally when she thought no one was watching, her gaze dropping to the floor or out a nearby window. In those quiet moments, there was a flicker of vulnerability in her eyes, a weight she carried but didn't let define her. It made Barry's chest tighten. She was strong, but she wasn't invincible—and for some reason, he wanted to be the one who made sure she didn't have to be.
---
By mid-afternoon, Barry found himself leaning against the wall of the break room, sipping his coffee as he watched Patty interact with a group of officers. She was laughing at something one of them had said, her shoulders shaking slightly, her smile radiant. When she caught him looking, she raised an eyebrow, her grin turning mischievous.
"Allen, you're staring," she called out, her tone teasing but not unkind.
Barry nearly choked on his coffee, hastily setting the cup down. "What? No, I was just—uh, making sure you're settling in okay."
Patty crossed the room toward him, her steps light but deliberate. "Uh-huh," she replied, her smile widening as she stopped a few feet away. "And? Do I pass your rigorous observation test?"
Barry chuckled, scratching the back of his neck, a habit he couldn't seem to break. "Flying colors," he said, his voice warm. "You're definitely keeping everyone on their toes."
Patty tilted her head, her expression softening as she studied him for a moment. "Well, I aim to please," she said, her tone light but sincere. Then, almost imperceptibly, her gaze lingered on him, her smile faltering just slightly as though she were considering something she wasn't ready to say.
Barry felt his pulse quicken. He wanted to say something, anything, to keep her standing there a little longer, but the sound of his name being called from across the room interrupted the moment. He sighed inwardly, offering her an apologetic smile.
"Duty calls," he said, stepping away.
Patty nodded, her smile returning, though there was a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes. "Catch you later, Barry."
As he walked away, Barry made a silent vow to himself. This time, he wasn't just going to let life dictate his story. Patty wasn't going to be another chapter that ended too soon. This time, he was going to rewrite the ending. And this time, Patty Spivot was going to be the one he built his future with.
As the day wound down, the precinct's bustling energy shifted into a quieter rhythm. Detectives wrapped up paperwork, conversations became subdued, and the hum of office equipment filled the background. Barry stood by his desk, shrugging into his jacket and reaching for his bag. His mind was still on Patty—on her laugh, her sharp wit, and the fleeting moments of vulnerability he'd noticed. He smiled to himself, shaking his head slightly as he adjusted his bag strap.
Just as he turned to leave, a firm hand clapped down on his shoulder, jolting him from his thoughts. "So, Barry," came Eddie Thawne's familiar voice, laced with amusement. "What's with you and the new girl, huh?"
Barry stiffened, glancing over his shoulder at Eddie, who stood there with a grin that managed to be both friendly and maddening. Eddie's stance was casual, one hand still on Barry's shoulder, the other resting on his hip. His blue eyes sparkled with playful curiosity, and his blond hair was slightly disheveled, as though he'd run his fingers through it one too many times.
Barry frowned, shrugging Eddie's hand off and turning to face him fully. "None of your business, Eddie," he said, his tone clipped but not overly harsh. He crossed his arms, his expression a mixture of annoyance and mild embarrassment.
Eddie raised his hands in mock surrender, the grin never leaving his face. "Whoa, relax, Allen. I'm just saying, you've been watching her like a hawk all day. Don't think I didn't notice."
Barry sighed, running a hand through his hair as he glanced around the room to make sure no one else was paying attention. "I wasn't—" He stopped himself, realizing he didn't owe Eddie an explanation. Instead, he narrowed his eyes at him, his voice dropping into a mock-serious tone. "Aren't you supposed to be busy with your own life? Or have you forgotten about your date plans with Iris?"
That wiped the grin off Eddie's face—if only for a moment. He straightened, his expression faltering just slightly before he recovered, his tone shifting into something more defensive. "I haven't forgotten," he said, a hint of unease creeping into his voice. He cleared his throat, his gaze flicking away from Barry's for a split second before returning. "I was just making conversation."
Barry smirked, the corner of his mouth lifting in quiet satisfaction. "Yeah, well, maybe focus on that instead of my business."
Eddie shook his head, chuckling softly as he stepped back, his hands sliding into his pockets. "Fair enough, Allen. But for the record, I think she likes you too." With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Barry standing there, his smirk fading into something more contemplative.
---
Barry exhaled deeply as he left the precinct, stepping out into the cool evening air. The sky was a blend of deep blues and oranges, the city alive with its usual hum of traffic and distant chatter. He shoved his hands into his pockets as he walked, his thoughts swirling.
A/N
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