Chapter Text
Harry was having his second coffee for the day in his office, when his newest assistant politely knocked on the door, making her way inside.
“Good morning Doctor Wells,” she said.
“Good morning Ellen,” he set his mug down and greeted the woman. “What’s for today?”
“It’s an unusually not busy day I shall comment, you have to sign these papers for the funding approval for the expansion of the quantum entanglement project of Dr.Matthews, you have multiple invitations for events that you should open yourself, and two meetings, one with Mister Smith of Course Systems at 10:30 am and one with Doctor Caitlin Snow of Tannhauser Industries at 12 pm.”
“Doctor Caitlin Snow?” He repositioned himself in his chair, the sound of her name making him redirect his attention away from his tablet’s screen to his assistant. His mouth suddenly felt dry.
“Yes, as you may have heard, she’s the new CEO of Tannhauser Industries, for a few weeks now since Doctor Carla Tannhauser passed away. I am fairly certain one of the invitations I just handed you is for an event to introduce her to partners and investors,” Ellen explained. “You should consider attending it since the partnership is still ongoing.”
“Alright, is that all?”
“Yes, I’ll let you know when Mister Smith is here.”
“Okay, thank you. You can go now.”
Once the assistant stepped out of his office, Harry took a moment to put his thoughts in order.
Caitlin had booked an appointment to see him. They hadn’t seen each other for over a year. It was crazy how once you part ways with a person, your paths don’t cross anymore. You become the strangers you were before. Of course he had kept tabs on her, where her new home was, what she was up to at work, but this is where it ended.
But why did she choose to meet him today, out of all days? Today was her birthday, he knew. He actually woke up with that thought in mind this morning. He allowed his mind to travel back to the last time they celebrated it all together, their house filled with so much love and happiness. But it was all in the past. They were never going to be like that again. He stopped these thoughts when the tears in his eyes threatened to fall down his cheeks. He ran his hands across his face, trying to compose himself. Harry felt so nervous at the thought of seeing her again, both because he had missed her profoundly, and because he didn’t know what to expect from their meeting later today. How was she going to be towards him?
He took a deep breath and sighed heavily, before bringing his attention back to his work.
It’s more than three hours later when Ellen comes back to his office informing him that Caitlin Snow has arrived.
Caitlin was taking in her surroundings. Elegant, high-tech headquarters of S.T.A.R Labs buzzed with activity. People in lab coats and scientists working busily on various experiments. She walked in filled with determination as to why she was there, even though she didn’t even know how she got the courage to book this appointment in the first place. But it had to be done.
Caitlin had been there before, she knew every part of the labs, she knew where his office was and how to get there without asking. She knew his assistants’ names and that they were not allowed to enter his office, no matter how many times they had knocked on his door.
But most importantly, Caitlin knew who Harrison Wells was, all too well, because Harry was her husband.
Behind a glass wall, Harry watched Caitlin's arrival with curiosity. He tried to look busy overlooking the city from his window, not showing that he actually anticipated their meeting.
Caitlin’s tall, lean figure made her way inside his office. She was dressed in a black dress, and black heels, and changed the monochrome tone of her outfit by choosing a long charcoal gray coat. Ever since that awful day, all of her outfits were dark colored, reflecting the sadness she felt inside. Caitlin had changed her hair, she wore bangs again, like that very first day they met, at the science event in Metropolis. She had barely aged since then. If anything, she had become even prettier, even though from her eyes he could see how much she was sucked in the sadness and pain. Caitlin stood across from him, her posture tense and rigid, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, as if bracing herself. She looked every bit of a polished CEO now, but there was something about her composure, something fragile beneath the surface.
“Doctor Wells,” she greeted him.
He was no longer Harry.
“Doctor Snow,” he greeted her back.
She was no longer Caitlin.
She didn’t make any small talk. She didn’t know what else there was to say with Harry. Or how to even talk to him. So she just delved into the reason why she was there—Harry’s offer for investing in Tannhauser Industries.
Caitlin had been under immense pressure ever since she stepped into her new position. At first, she thought that being the head of a powerful biotech firm known for cutting-edge scientific research and development would be just what she needed to keep her mind and body occupied. However, by the time Caitlin takes over, the company is on the verge of bankruptcy. Mismanagement, declining profits, and increasing competition in the biotech industry have left the once-thriving business in dire straits.
Caitlin thought of just selling it, she could easily find herself a job in another company, she knew she was brilliant. But something inside of her made her feel like she was failing her family’s legacy, and so, she convinced herself she would make it, and Tannhauser Industries would be back to their former glory. It gave her a renewed sense of purpose that she had been severely lacking for a long time now.
"So, I’m assuming the amount you offered is still on the table? We can finalize the details and move forward," her voice was firm, but her eyes betrayed vulnerability.
She paused, waiting for a response, her breath held tighter than she’d care to admit. This was business, nothing more. She wouldn’t let it be anything more, even though Harry’s presence right in front of her was unsettling.
As soon as she walked into the room and their eyes met, there was a flicker of something she thought she had buried. Harry still carried that same confident, intense presence that caught her attention when they first met, his sharp intellect, the way his mind worked so fluidly, his deep voice. Even though her mind tells her to stay guarded, her body betrayed her, and she still felt that same pull, the familiar tension in the air she felt that rainy day in Metropolis seven years ago.
Harry shook his head slightly, his eyes softening in a way that only Caitlin would recognize. "I’m not... I’m not investing, Doctor Snow."
"Not investing? Then what the hell was that offer, Doctor Wells?”
Before Harry could reply, Caitlin added, “Oh I see…so this is a charity case? You think I can’t pull this off without you swooping in to save me?" Her eyes narrowed, locking onto Harry’s as if daring him to say something she can hold against him.
Harry sighed, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand, clearly frustrated but trying to remain calm. He knew offering her the money without expecting anything in return was the logical choice-it’s the only way to save her company without forcing her into a business deal she resented—but deep down, he also knew it’s more than that. He still cared for her, deeply, and he always will, no matter what.
"No, it’s not about that. I’m not trying to doubt your abilities. I know you can run Tannhauser—hell, you’re the only person who can. But this... Caitlin, I just want to help you. Just... let me help you," His voice lowered, almost pleading. He’s been here before, asking Caitlin to let him help her and he knew how it usually ends. She denies.
Caitlin stood up from the seat she had previously taken opposite him. "Help me? I don’t need your pity, Harry. This is business, not your way to soothe whatever guilt you’re carrying. I’m not a charity case, I will never be."
Her words came out sharper than she intended, but she didn’t try to soften them. She was angry, and hurt. This was supposed to be her way of proving herself, of showing that she could stand on her own without him. The fact that he’s just handing her the money, without even expecting anything in return, almost feels like a slap in the face. She should have expected this from Harry. He was always too generous with helping her, except the one time she desperately needed him to.
"This isn’t about guilt. It’s about you. You’re about to lose everything, Caitlin. You don’t need investors, you need a lifeline. And I’m offering it."
He moved around the desk, coming closer to her, his frustration starting to break through. He ran a hand through his hair, a known habit of his when he was nervous. His gaze searched hers, trying to find a way through the wall she’s building.
“No,” was all Caitlin said.
“Why are you being so stubborn, Caitlin? Do you really hate me that much?”
“What a strong feeling hate is! It’s so heavy to carry around everyday. I have all this pain inside me that I don’t even have the power to hate you anymore. I don’t have any kind of feelings for you either,” she said, looking into his eyes, and once realizing that her words hurt him, she turned away from him. And the thing was, she didn’t really mean to hurt him like that but her feelings are complex. She didn’t even understand herself anymore. She used to know who she was and what she was doing. But the past two years, she lost herself completely.
There’s a long silence between them. Caitlin had her back turned at him.
“Why can’t you just take it?” He said in a low voice, almost like a whisper.
"Because you don’t believe in me! You never did, Harry. Not when we lost Daphne, and not now."
There it is—the real wound, laid bare between them. The air in the room seems to freeze, thick with the weight of unsaid words, of their old shared grief.
"Don’t do this, Caitlin. Don’t bring Daphne into this. This is about the company, about your future-"
Caitlin cut him off, "No, it’s not. It’s about us. It’s always been about us. You didn’t believe me when I said she was still out there. You looked at the evidence, at the facts, like always. And now... now you’re looking at me like I’m another problem to solve. Like I need saving because I can’t possibly make it on my own."
Her eyes were shining with unshed tears, but she blinked them back. She wasn’t going to cry in front of him. Not again.
The words hang in the air between them, painful and raw. Caitlin took another step back, her heels clicking sharply on the cold tile floor. She held his gaze for a moment longer, searching for something she’s never quite been able to find in him since the day their daughter disappeared.
The silence that followed felt heavy, suffocating. Harry took a slow, hesitant step forward, but Caitlin shakes her head, stepping back even further.
"I don’t need your help. And I don’t need your money. I needed you to believe in me... in us…but you never did."
"Caitlin..."
She grabbed her bag and coat and started to make her way to the door.
"Goodbye, Harry."
He called her name again. Her hand was on the door handle, and she didn’t know why, but she stopped on her tracks.
“Happy birthday,” was all he said.
Caitlin turned to him, a sad smile appearing on her face. He remembered.
“You know, even after all these years, you’re still the first one to wish me,” she looked at him with sincerity for the first time since she stepped into his office, before exiting it.
Metropolis BioRevolution Conference
Seven Years Ago
Harry walks into the auditorium, not particularly interested in yet another presentation at yet another scientific conference. But he had to attend these kinds of events, given his position. It had been the fourth one he’d been attending today, and he had started feeling tired, and actually hungry. He should have tasted some of the muffins they had in the entry when he came in. But then, he hears her voice. Confident. Clear. Something about it got his attention.
"Good evening, everyone. I am Doctor Caitlin Snow and it’s an honor to be here and to share something I believe can truly transform the future of personalized healthcare."
She gestures to the holographic display, and an image of a sleek, flexible patch sensor appears.
"Imagine a world where healthcare doesn’t rely solely on doctor visits, but instead gives people the opportunity to take control of their health in real-time by simply wearing a sensor. That’s what I’m here to discuss: wearable bio-sensors for continuous health monitoring."
The screen shifts, showing athletes, patients, and everyday individuals wearing the devices in different forms on their wrists, as patches on the skin.
Harry’s eyes locked on the woman on the stage. Young, composed, utterly in command of her audience. He leans back in his chair, intrigued.
"These sensors are more than just smart gadgets—they are advanced systems capable of tracking a range of biological data. Heart rate, glucose levels, blood pressure, oxygen saturation—our sensors monitor it all. What sets them apart is that they don’t just tell you what's happening right now; they use that data to predict what might happen next."
She pauses, letting that sink in.
“In Mercury Labs, we’ve developed flexible, biocompatible materials that conform seamlessly to the body. These sensors can be woven into clothing or adhered directly to the skin. For athletes, this means real-time tracking of hydration and fatigue during intense physical exertion. For people managing chronic conditions, like diabetes, it means keeping an eye on glucose levels without the need for invasive tests.”
The screen then transitions to a graph showing data being transmitted wirelessly from the sensor to a smartphone app.
"Now, we’ve integrated wireless data transmission into this system. Data is collected, analyzed, and sent to your smartphone or cloud-based platform instantly. From here, machine learning algorithms are applied to analyse trends, predict potential health risks, and provide actionable insights before symptoms escalate."
An image of an individual receiving a smartphone alert flashes onto the screen, warning them of an elevated heart rate and recommending they rest.
There was a simple elegance about her that keeps pulling Harry's attention. He finds himself leaning forward now, more engaged than he’s been in any other presentation he’d ever been.
"Take, for example, a patient recovering from heart surgery. With our wearable sensors, they don’t need to stay in the hospital for extended monitoring. Instead, they can go home, and their doctors will still have access to real-time data on heart function, and other critical vitals. If something starts to go wrong, the system can alert both the patient and their healthcare provider, potentially preventing serious complications."
She smiles, a hint of excitement in her voice.
Harry continues to watch her with growing fascination. Her intelligence is magnetic, and it’s getting under his skin. She’s not just another over-enthusiastic academic. No, there’s something... different about her. And that smile… it's not for show. That’s genuine. She actually cares about what she’s presenting, her eyes lighting up as she talks about solving real-world problems. That’s rare.
"But we’re not stopping there. Our goal is to take these sensors even further—integrating energy-harvesting technology so they can be powered by the wearer’s own body heat or motion. Imagine never needing to charge your wearable because your body itself powers it."
The holographic display zooms out, showing the full scope of the project: athletes, patients, and everyday individuals benefiting from continuous health monitoring.
"I believe this is the future of healthcare. Wearable bio-sensors give people real control over their health, not just when they’re in a doctor's office, but every minute of every day. From managing chronic diseases like diabetes to monitoring heart health and fitness, these devices are designed to keep us one step ahead."
She steps back slightly, her voice filled with optimism.
"The future is about being proactive, about preventing issues before they arise, and about empowering individuals to understand their own bodies in ways we’ve never been able to before. I’m excited to see where this technology will take us, and I’m confident it will change lives, maybe even save them."
The screen fades to black as she finishes, the crowd bursts into applause. Harry sits there, unmoving, his mind racing in a dozen directions at once.
"Thank you."
Harry had to talk to her. No, not because he... was interested (well, he was). But this is about science. Yes. Purely professional.
The event has ended, and Caitlin is still riding the high of her successful presentation. She had been so nervous about it for the past few weeks, since Mercury Labs was counting on her. It was a project she had been working on for two years now, she just wanted it to get a positive reaction from the audience, and it did. That being said, Caitlin allowed herself to relax.
Harry watched her interacting with a small group of colleagues near the refreshments table. She was smiling, and damn it she had a nice smile. He decided to approach her.
Caitlin watched him walking towards her, and she didn’t know how to react. She knew who Harrison Wells was. Everyone in this conference did. He was the biggest technological entrepreneur of their time and had established himself and his company in a global spectrum pretty well. There was a part of her that admired him, because of all of these achievements. There’s a long road between being a doctor with a couple of PhDs in possession and being the one who pretty much rules all of the scientific and technological advancements of the country.
"Doctor Snow, impressive presentation. Very impressive." His voice is sharp and precise, but there’s also genuine admiration as he holds her gaze. He extends his hand.
"Thank you, Dr. Wells. That means a lot coming from you." She shakes his hand, feeling a slight spark of electricity at the contact, though she keeps her face calm, her professional smile in place. "I’ve actually followed your work for quite some time. Your research on quantum entanglement and multiverse theory, it’s, well, brilliant." She mentally winces, hoping she didn’t sound too eager.
He raises an eyebrow, intrigued by her response. He wasn’t expecting that she’d be interested in these areas of study, given her medicine background.
"Quantum entanglement. That’s... niche. Most people don’t quite understand it, or care to."
"I do. And your work has always pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in science. I guess I’ve been... fascinated by it for a while." Her words are genuine, laced with admiration not just for his work, but for the man behind it.
Harry catches that, and it throws him off for just a moment. He’s used to people admiring his intellect, but there’s something in her voice, in the way she’s looking at him, that feels different.
“Fascinated? Well, if anyone’s pushing boundaries tonight, it’s you. The way you integrated those microfluidic sensors with real-time data analysis... clever. Efficient."
His gaze sharpens, becoming more intense as he leans in slightly, unable to hide his curiosity.
"How did you solve the interference issue with the bio-fluids? Most systems fail when exposed to extended use."
He’s genuinely interested, and there was no one better to answer his question than Caitlin. This question came as a challenge. He wanted to engage with her in a real scientific conversation with her. He was sure he’d be even more fascinated to hear her talk about this with only a few inches distance between them.
"It was not easy, for sure. We ended up using a graphene-based material for the sensors. The breakthrough was in developing a molecular coating that repels fluids without compromising conductivity. It keeps the sensors functional, even during high perspiration or long-term wear." She explains confidently, but inside, she’s trying to manage her own excitement at having this one-on-one conversation with the Harrison Wells.
He feels a strange pull, an attraction to her intellect, but also to her calm intensity. It’s unsettling, and yet... intriguing. It’s not just her intelligence—there’s a spark of passion behind her words that he finds unexpectedly captivating.
"Graphene. Smart. And the molecular coating—" He stops, realising he’s getting a bit too caught up in the technical details. He clears his throat.
"Well, I’d like to hear more about it, if you have time. You’ve clearly put a lot of thought into this." He didn’t know how he ended up asking her this. He had always been able to control his actions. He was not used to being this... affected by someone.
"I’d love that. I mean, it’d be an honor to hear your feedback.” She’s trying to sound professional, but the admiration for him slips through.
"Honor, hm? Well, I don’t know about that. But if you’re offering, I won’t say no to coffee. We could... talk more. About the science." He hesitates for a moment, feeling the unspoken tension between them. "And maybe a little about quantum theory too, if you’re still... fascinated." There’s a faint smirk on his face now, his eyes soften.
Caitlin laughs softly, surprised by the realization of how much he’s enjoying this conversation with, but she manages to keep her cool.
"As much as I’d love to discuss graphene coatings over coffee... I’m afraid I’ll have to pass. It’s actually my birthday today, and I had planned to go home and celebrate with a glass of wine. Or three." She chuckles, clearly amused by the idea of her own low-key celebration.
"Your birthday?" His expression softens for a moment, his usual intensity giving way to something more sincere. "Well then... Happy Birthday, Doctor Snow." He says it with an earnestness that surprises even him.
"Thank you, Dr. Wells. You're actually the first person to wish me that today." She says it lightly, but there’s a hint of loneliness in her voice. She shrugs, looking down at her heels, slightly embarrassed by this moment of vulnerability to someone who essentially was a stranger.
"The first?" He furrows his brow, not believing that someone like Caitlin wouldn’t have a flood of birthday wishes from friends or colleagues. "I find that hard to believe.”
"Well, my mom will probably send me a card in... a couple of months, so I don’t know if it counts." She smirks, but he can deduce the bittersweet coat of her words. "She’s not exactly the punctual type when it comes to birthdays. It’s fine, really. I’m used to it. "She shrugs again, clearly trying to keep the mood light despite the slight sadness creeping into her voice.
“You deserve better than a belated card. At least you should be celebrating your successful presentation."
Caitlin smiles at his words, feeling a bit more seen than she had all day. But she shifts slightly, clearly ready to head home, even if the idea of spending more time with him is tempting. "I appreciate that. But it’s been a long day, I’d really like to take a moment to relax with some wine, maybe a terrible rom-com."
He knows he can’t just let this be the end of their conversation, but he’s also not the type to push too hard, at least, not in a way that’s obvious.
"If that’s the case, then I won’t keep you. But—" He pauses, hesitating for just a moment, then deciding to go with it. It was something he had never done before, but he always trusted his gut in things like that. And his gut was telling him that Caitlin was a real asset. "I have an alternative offer."
He steps closer, his voice lowering just a touch. "I’d like to discuss your work further. It’s not every day I meet someone who can keep up with me on a technical level... let alone challenge me." He gives her a small, almost teasing smirk. "S.T.A.R. Labs could use someone like you."
Her eyes widened slightly in surprise. She hadn’t expected that.
"S.T.A.R. Labs? Are you - Dr. Wells, are you offering me a job?" There’s a hint of disbelief in her voice, mixed with curiosity and intrigue.
"Call it... an invitation. I think you’d find the environment at S.T.A.R. Labs more suited to someone of your caliber." He’s not just saying this to see her again, though that’s certainly part of it—he genuinely believes she’d thrive at S.T.A.R. Labs. "I’ll have an official offer drafted and sent to you. But—" He pauses, and as his eyes meet hers again he adds, "It’s not just about the job. I’d like to continue this conversation. I think we have more to discuss." He doesn’t need to say what else he’s implying, but it’s there, hovering between them. He knows she understands.
Caitlin feels her heart skip a beat. The offer is... unexpected, but exciting. The idea of working alongside him, of seeing him every day, is thrilling in a way that’s both professional and personal. But there’s a part of her that feels a little overwhelmed, too.
“That’s... a lot to think about." She smiles. "I’m not sure if Mercury Labs would appreciate me being poached, though.”
"Well, if Tina wants to keep you, she’ll have to fight for it." He smirks again, this time more playfully. "But I have a feeling they’ll lose. "There’s a pause, and then, his voice softens again. "Think about it. You don’t have to decide tonight. Have your wine. Watch your movie. But I’ll send you something tomorrow... a formal offer. And then we’ll see."
Caitlin couldn’t wrap her head around it. He was serious about all of this. And she was actually considering it.
"Alright, Dr. Wells. I’ll think about it." She meets his gaze, her eyes lingering on his for just a moment longer than necessary. "And... Thanks for the birthday wish."
"You’re welcome, Doctor Snow." He gives her a small nod, before he walks away, giving her one last glance over his shoulder as he reaches the exit.
She smiles to herself, turning to leave. This day was getting better and better, she thought.
The next day when Caitlin opened her tablet to check her emails, it was there. The official invitation as he had promised.
Dear Dr. Snow,
I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying a well-deserved break after your impressive presentation. It was a pleasure to hear your work on real-time biomonitoring technology, and it is clear that your contributions to the field are significant and promising to push the boundaries of what’s possible in bioengineering.
As we briefly discussed, I would like to formally extend an invitation to join the research team at S.T.A.R. Labs as a Senior Research Scientist. We are actively expanding our efforts into cutting-edge bioengineering and research, areas where I believe your unique expertise and innovative thinking would be incredibly valuable.
In this role, you would have the freedom and resources to further explore your research while also contributing to our projects on advanced sensor technology, quantum mechanics applications, and medical technology development. I am confident that your work would not only thrive in this environment but also influence the future direction of our laboratory’s efforts.
I recognize that this decision may require careful consideration, especially given your current role at Mercury Labs. However, I believe that the environment at S.T.A.R. Labs alongside the opportunities for innovation will provide you with the perfect platform to continue developing your groundbreaking work.
I would be happy to discuss this opportunity further, either in person or over a call. Of course, you can also reach out to me directly via email. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Once again, happy birthday, Dr. Snow. Consider this offer a belated gift, though, unlike certain birthday cards, I assure you it’s arriving on time.
Sincerely,
Harrison Wells, PhD
Director of Research and Development
S.T.A.R. Labs
Caitlin couldn’t believe this was happening. She had read the invitation three times already, her heart racing with excitement. "S.T.A.R. Labs. Senior Research Scientist. This is... unbelievable." Her eyes scan over the details again, her mind whirling with possibilities. This is everything she’s ever wanted. She could do so much there. The projects she could lead, the advancements in bioengineering... this is exactly the kind of opportunity she has been dreaming of ever since she was a freshman in university. The opportunity to really shine was there. And then there was him. Her smile falters slightly as she leans back in her chair, chewing her lip. She lets out a soft sigh, remembering their conversation, the way he looked at her, like he saw her as more than just another scientist. There was a connection, something unspoken but undeniable. That both excites and terrifies her. How could she navigate in a professional ground with him?
Two days later, (because she didn’t want to come out as too eager) she emails Harrison Wells back. Of course, she takes the job.
And things went on from there. Their first few interactions at S.T.A.R. Labs are professional but with a sense of underlying tension, they’re both aware of the chemistry between them but are careful not to cross any boundaries too quickly. Harry remains distant at first, not wanting to seem like his interest in Caitlin goes beyond work. Caitlin is equally hesitant, trying to keep her focus on the science while occasionally finding herself distracted by his presence.
They engage in deep scientific discussions, challenging each other intellectually, and that’s where their connection begins to deepen. However, there are moments of awkwardness, like Caitlin catching Harry watching her from across the lab.
They spend late nights working together, discussing new possible experiments, often finding themselves the last two people in the lab. It’s in these quiet moments that their connection becomes harder to ignore.
It happened one night, when a frustrating experiment failed, leaving Caitlin visibly frustrated. She’s tired, overwhelmed, and can’t help but let some of her vulnerability slip through.
"Maybe this was a mistake." She slams a file down on the table, clearly frustrated.
"Caitlin... you’re one of the best scientists to have stepped foot in this establishment. This is just a setback, not a reflection of your work."
"It’s not just this. It’s everything. The job, the transition, and..."
She hesitates, glancing up at him, clearly wanting to say more but unsure how to proceed.
Harry takes a step closer, his intense gaze softening. "And me?"
"Yeah... and you." She admits it softly.
"We’ve been dancing around this... whatever this is... since the day you arrived. I think it’s time we stop pretending." He’s direct, as always.
"So... what do we do about it?"
He steps toward her, and places his hands on her shoulders. They stand there for a moment, feeling the tension between them build. Harry feels unsure of himself, something that was rare for him, his gaze flickering between her eyes and her lips and Caitlin can see the growing hunger in his eyes.
"This is probably a bad idea..."
"Probably." His hands travel to her cheeks, taking hold of her beautiful face and it’s sending a shiver down her spine.
Harry pulls her toward him, and their lips tease each others, brushing briefly before they finally meet in a fierce, desperate kiss that feels like it’s been waiting to happen forever. It’s not soft or tentative, but urgent, making each other understand for how long they wanted this. Caitlin presses against him, her hands fisting in his suit blazer, pulling him closer as if she can’t bear the thought of being apart for even a second longer. His hands slide down to her waist, gripping her as if he’s afraid she’ll slip away, holding her tight against him. The kiss deepens, turning into something even more intense—wild and consuming, a release of all the tension that’s been building between them for so long. They break apart just long enough to gasp for air, their foreheads resting against each other’s, both of them breathless, lips swollen, hearts racing.
"Oh God... This was-" Caitlin started, but before she could finish, Harry cut her off with another kiss, this one slower, but no less intense.
When they finally pull away again, their lips just inches apart, Harry brushes a strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering as his thumb gently traces her cheek.
"I’ve wanted to do that for a long time. Since that day at the conference," he admits, his voice husky, almost a whisper.
"Me too." She smiled.
And from here, things between them only continued for the better, embracing for a lifetime together. Or so they thought.
Five Years Later
Caitlin enters their daughter’s room quietly, watching Daphne enjoy her last minutes of sleep, curled up to her right side with her favorite stuffed blue bunny.
Caitlin kneels beside the bed and gently brushes Daphne's hair from her face. With her index and middle finger, she pretends she’s climbing on her little body, tickling her stomach when she reaches there, and that is enough to pull the girl from her sleep.
Daphne stirs, blinking sleepily, and opens her eyes. She gives a big yawn, then grins up at her mom. “Mommy?”
“Good morning, sweetheart. Remember what we talked about last night? We’re going to the planetarium today,” Caitlin smiled warmly at her daughter and gave her a small kiss on her forehead.
Daphne's eyes widen with excitement as she suddenly sits up, “are we going to see the stars?”
“Yes, yes, we are,” Caitlin nodded, and that earned her a hug from Daphne, her tiny arms going around her mother’s neck. “And I believe daddy is making you a special breakfast,” she added. Daphne’s face lights up even more as she scrambles out of bed and runs into the kitchen, her bunny clutched in one hand.
“Daddy!”
“My daughter!” Harry turned around and picked her up. He started showering her with small kisses, and Daphne erupted into giggles. She always loved that. He put her to sit on the chair after giving her a kiss on the inside of her left palm, where her small crescent moon birthmark was.
Caitlin watched the two with a soft smile. She felt luckier with each passing day. Watching Daphne grow into a bright girl, watching Harry being an amazing father and husband, it had been a true blessing.
Harry glanced up from their daughter and saw Caitlin standing there. He moved towards her and pulled her into a loving kiss.
“I want a kiss too!” Daphne said behind them, watching them have this little moment. They were never ashamed to show each other proper affection in front of her. There was nothing wrong with that. They loved each other. Caitlin and Harry moved their attention back to their daughter, kissing one of her cheeks each.
“Daddy I’m hungry! I want a big pancake!” Daphne said, holding the fork in her hand.
Harry turns around and carefully places a pancake on Daphne’s plate, cutting it into small pieces, and adds extra strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream.
“You’re spoiling her, you know,” pointing at the whipped cream.
“Hey, if you can’t spoil your little girl, what’s the point?”
Daphne looks up, her mouth full of pancake, and grins. “Thank you, Daddy!”
“You’re very welcome honey.”
As they sit around the table, Caitlin reaches over to brush a crumb from Daphne’s cheek, “are you ready to see all the stars today?”
The little girl nodded, as her mouth was full. Harry reaches over, tapping the tip of her nose.
“And maybe, if you’re really lucky, you might even see a shooting star.”
“Really?”
Caitlin laughed. “Really. But first, you have to finish your breakfast.”
As they sit together, chatting and laughing, none of them knows that this simple morning, full of love and joy, will be the last they’ll spend together as a family for a long, long time.
The planetarium is crowded, bustling with families and excited children. Caitlin and Harry walk hand-in-hand, with Daphne in between, happily swinging their hands back and forth. Daphne’s eyes are wide with wonder, her little mouth hanging open as she gazes up at the massive model of the solar system.
“Look, Daphne! There’s Mars, just like you wanted.” Caitlin pointed at the exhibit. Daphne was always fascinated by the red color of the planet.
“Wow! It’s so big!”
Harry kneels down beside her, holding up a little guidebook.
“And did you know that Mars has only 2 moons?”
“That’s so little!”
They continue moving through the exhibits. Harry lifts Daphne up so she can get a closer look at one of the interactive displays. Caitlin stands beside them, smiling, snapping a quick picture on her phone.
Daphne wiggles out of Harry's arms, her little feet landing back on the ground. “Daddy, I want to see the astronauts!”
“Alright, but don’t let go of my hand, okay?”
Daphne nods eagerly, gripping his fingers tightly. Or maybe it was the other way around. They continue walking, her tiny feet nearly skipping with excitement. Harry glances over at Caitlin for a moment, exchanging a warm smile.
But then, as they approach the next exhibit, a sudden surge of visitors swells around them, jostling them slightly. For a fraction of a second, Harry feels Daphne's fingers slip out of his grasp.
Harry turned quickly, “Daphne?” His heart skips a beat as he looks down. Daphne isn't there. “Daphne?”
Caitlin turns, catching the look of panic on Harry's face. “What? What happened?”
“She was just here. She slipped out of my hand.”
“How can she- Daphne?” Caitlin called. They both start scanning the crowd, their heads whipping back and forth as they call out. “Daphne! Daphne, where are you?”
Harry starts moving through groups of people, pushing past them, his voice growing louder, more desperate. “Daphne! DAPHNE!”
Caitlin is on the other side, her breath catching as she darts between families, straining to catch even a glimpse of her daughter’s blue dress. The crowd seems to swallow her whole, faces blurring together in a suffocating sea of strangers. She feels her throat tighten, panic rising inside of her. This can’t be happening. Her eyes swell up with tears. “Please! Has anyone seen a little girl? Brown hair, blue dress?”
She spins around wildly, heart hammering, and catches a glimpse of Harry across the room. He’s already moving toward the gift shop, shouting for Daphne, his voice hoarse.
Harry rushes into the gift shop, eyes darting from aisle to aisle, frantically scanning for any sign of his daughter. She maybe wanted to see the toys. They never left the place without any. He approached the cashier, “Have you seen a little girl, two years old, brown hair, blue dress?”
The cashier shakes her head, looking concerned. Harry’s heart sinks.
Every second feels like an eternity, every step further away from finding her little girl. Caitlin stumbles into the restroom, checking every stall, her hands shaking uncontrollably, calling her daughter’s name but it was in vain.
Harry bursts into the hallway, bumping into a security guard.
“My daughter—she’s missing! Please, you have to help us! Lock this place down immediately!” he said in an authoritative tone.
The guard nods, immediately calling for backup. “Stay calm, sir. We’ll find her.”
Harry spots his wife coming down the hallway. Caitlin’s eyes meet Harry’s, and in that instant, they both know. They’ve lost her.
Caitlin collapses against the wall, her legs giving out, sobbing uncontrollably. Harry runs towards her and drops to his knees beside her, pressing her close to him, his own face full of fear. Caitlin grabs his shirt, holding on to him as if he’s the only thing keeping her grounded.
“Harry, please find our daughter!