Chapter Text
Nora West-Allen has always been quite happy with her life. The first 3 years, her family consisted of her, her dad and her Grandma and Grandpa. When she was 4 years old, her dad, Barry married her mom, Iris whom she loved from the first time she’d met. And Iris was an amazing mom. She was always so patient, understanding, and kind. She always made time for her and always made her feel special. When Nora was 6 years old, her baby brother Bart was born. She loved helping her mom take care of him. She’d bring a diaper for her mom when he needed changing. Or give him his soother when he was unhappy. Sometimes she’d just lay beside him and play with him because she loved him so much. She loved her family. Her dad. Her mom and her brother.
One Thursday afternoon, at age 12, when Iris picked her up from school, she was very upset. When her mom asked her what was wrong, she didn’t want to talk about it so Iris just let her be. When they got home, she went right up to her room and stayed there until her dad called her down for supper. She was sullen and sulky. Not like herself at all.
“So kids, how was school today? Anything interesting happened?” Barry asked, hoping to coax Nora into sharing what was bothering her.
“I learned about bugs today!” Bart pipes up. “Did you know that ants can carry 500 times, no wait, is 500 bigger than 5000?”
“5000 is bigger bud.” Barry replies.
“You sure, Daddy?”
“Yes I’m sure!”
“Mommy? Is Daddy right? Is 5000 bigger than 500?” Bart questioning his father’s knowledge.
Iris stifles a giggle. “Yes sweetie. Daddy’s right. He’s the smartest person I know!” Iris smirks and winks at her husband.
“He is?” Bart asked Iris incredulously, looking wide-eyed at his father.
“Bart! Dude, I’m a scientist. So I’m pretty smart!”
Bart looks at mom for confirmation who is nodding her head in agreement with her husband. Only then he’s convinced.
“Okay. Did you know that ants can carry something 5000 times their body weight? That’s super strong!”
“Super strong! I think it’s because they eat all their veggies. So if you want to be super strong like an ant, you’d better eat all your broccoli, Mr. Man.” Iris says smiling at her adorable 6 year old.
“Nora, how was your day, sweet girl?” Iris asked, turning her attention to her preteen.
“I don’t want to talk about it.” she whispered.
“Did something about at school today, honey? You know you can talk to us about anything, right? We’re always here for you.” Barry asked, sounding concerned.
“Maybe later, okay?”
“Sure honey. We can talk later.” Iris sensed that this was something she didn’t want Bart to hear and so they dropped it.
They finished up dinner talking and laughing about their day, all with the exception of Nora. She was still quiet and withdrawn. That night she went to bed earlier than normal and again didn’t want to discuss what was bothering her. Barry wanted to push her to talk but Iris suggested they let her come to them when she’s ready.
Later that night while getting ready for bed, Barry looks over to Iris. “Are you sure I shouldn’t go talk to Nora? This isn’t like her.”
“I know, Babe but I think maybe she just needs some space to figure out how to broach whatever it is that’s bothering her. Give her time. She’ll come around.”
“How can you be so sure?” he asked
“Because I was once a preteen girl myself and I have done this before. She’ll come around. I promise.”
“I don’t know, sweetheart. It feels like it’s something big. I’m gonna go talk to her.” He gets up and starts making his way to their door.
“Bartholemew Henry Allen, if you don’t get your ass back in this bed right this instant, no sex for you for a month!”
Barry froze and turned to look at her. “No sex for a month? That’s not fair.”
“Damn right. And may I remind you that your birthday is coming up soon, as is our anniversary!”
“You wouldn’t!”
“Try me!” Iris sits with her arms crossed, eyebrow raised, daring her husband to call her bluff.
He hesitates for a moment and then slumps back to bed, looking like a defeated little boy. She looks serious and he’s not willing to take the chance of no sex for a month. Iris and Barry always had a healthy sex life. Having Nora had its challenges but Barry’s parents took her on the weekends, especially when they were newlyweds so they often had a lot of time to get loud and dirty. Once Bart was born, things had to change to accommodate a newborn schedule. Sex became less frequent than they were used to but gradually they got back to their normal sexy ways.
“Come here, you big baby.”
He lays down on the bed but turns his back to her. She scooches over behind him, making him the little spoon, wrapping her arm and leg over him. “She will come to us when she’s ready. I promise.”
Barry doesn’t answer her. Iris begins to kiss his neck and nibble on his earlobe when he suddenly turns and pounces on her causing her to shriek. He looks into her eyes and kisses her, long, slow and deep eliciting a soft moan from her. He smiles into his kiss and said, “You couldn’t last a hour without sex much less a month.” She pulls back, looking at him sheepishly.
“I know. I can’t believe you fell for that! That would be a punishment for me and I’ve been a good girl.”
“Oh really, Mrs. West-Allen? Because that stunt you just pulled qualifies as bad behaviour in my books.”
He kisses her again, his mouth clarifying everything his body was about to do to hers when they hear a knock on their door.
“Dad? Can I talk to you?”
Barry sits up. “Sure sweet pea. Come in.”
“Do you mind if we talk in the kitchen instead?” Nora asks, still from the other side of the door.
“Uh, sure, honey. Be right out.”
He looks over at Iris. She shrugs and whispers to him, “Go. Just let her talk without interrupting her. You’ll be fine.” He kisses her before turning to leave.
“Okay. I love you.”
“I love you more.”
“Not possible.”
Iris sits up and grabs her phone to jot down a few notes for her daily meeting with her editors tomorrow morning.