Work Text:
INT. WEST HOUSE/DINING ROOM - NIGHT
On the dining table are two bowls. The bowl next to Iris is practically empty except for a spoon and the melted remnants of mint chocolate chip ice cream. The other bowl contains about half a serving of apple pie a la mode and sits in front of Barry. Iris grabs her spoon and takes a bite out of his bowl.
BARRY
Iris, I can’t do this again.
IRIS
Why not?
BARRY
I get scared! You’re scary!
IRIS
And you’re a wimp!
Barry leans back into the chair and crosses his arms across his chest.
IRIS
Okay, that was mean, I’m sorry, but pleaseee? This time will be different!
She sticks out her bottom lip and intertwines her fingers together, pleading towards him. Barry rolls his eyes with a smile on his face and takes a bite of his pie.
BARRY
What time do you have to be up?
Iris’ grin mimics Barry’s as she starts to stand up, not before taking another bite of his dessert.
IRIS
Up by 6, out the door by 7! Thanks!
BARRY
Why do you insist on getting anything when you always take mine?
She grabs her bowl and walks into the kitchen.
IRIS
(O.S.)
Best of both worlds, Barr.
CUT TO:
INT. IRIS BEDROOM - NEXT MORNING
Barry stands outside Iris’ door as he takes a deep breath. He knocks in intervals of three minutes. After the third knock, he opens the door slowly. Iris lies facing Barry in her bed, knocked out. She’s almost completely covered in blanket. Her bonnet is halfway off her head. Her snores are soft.
BARRY
Iris?
No response.
BARRY
Iris, wake up, you have an early start.
He gently nudges her shoulders. She shifts a little so that she’s further away from him. Barry sighs.
BARRY
You’re gonna be really mad at yourself if you don’t study for this test.
IRIS
I’m gonna be really mad at you, if you don’t leave me alone.
BARRY
I promise you, after this, I am never waking you up again. But you need to get up, Iris.
IRIS
Barry. Stop Talking.
Barry pauses for a second, contemplating what he’s about to do. He quickly pulls the covers off of her and onto the floor. Iris doesn’t move but her eyes open and the sweet gaze she usually reserves for her best friend is replaced with an angry glare. Her staredown lasts five seconds but to Barry it feels like 500.
IRIS
Get out.
Barry rushes out of her room with a hushed, “I’m sorry”.
CUT TO:
INT. BARRY ROOM - CONTINUOUS
About 30-40 minutes later, Barry hears Iris’ door open and close. She pops her head into his room, a completely different person.
IRIS
Thanks, Barr! I owe you one!
Iris practically skips out the front door and Barry lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding.
CUT TO:
INT. IRIS APARTMENT - SOME YEARS LATER
Barry turns the key and enters the door. He locks the door behind him and looks around the living area. Her open laptop sits on the coffee table along with a mug of cold coffee. An empty Big Belly Burger bag sits on the kitchen island. Her space is definitely cluttered, but not super messy. He calls out for her.
BARRY
Iris?
He walks down the hall some to her wide-open bedroom door. Clothes are scattered all over the floor. Her body is in the fetal position under her covers. After the double she worked yesterday, she didn’t even bother to put on her bonnet or put her phone on the charger. Barry approaches her and gently rocks her body.
BARRY
Future ace reporter? Iris West?
IRIS
(annoyed)
How did you even get in here?
BARRY
You gave me your spare?
She groans. He shakes her again.
BARRY
Big interview today. Come on, get up.
IRIS
Forget it.
BARRY
Do I have to pull the cover off you?
Iris nearly cuts him off. Her eyes open.
IRIS
Don’t!
BARRY
Well, get up and I won’t have t-
IRIS
No, I mean I’m butt ass naked right now.
Barry spins around to not face her and feels himself blush.
IRIS
Cover’s still on, dork.
Barry walks out of her bedroom and closes the door behind her.
BARRY
I’ll check on you in 10 minutes.
Barry sits on the couch as he waits. True to his word, he stands outside her door, listening for movement. He hears nothing. He says her name in a disappointed tone.
BARRY
Iris.
She starts to shift and he can hear her get out of bed. She opens the door enough to look at him.
IRIS
I’m up! For real this time. Thanks.
CUT TO:
INT. WESTALLEN BEDROOM - MORE YEARS LATER
Barry squeezes through their bedroom door with a cup of coffee in his hand. He very carefully maneuvers his way onto the bed so as to not spill or startle his sleeping wife. Once settled, he leans down to kiss her forehead. Her eyes slowly start to open.
BARRY
Good morning, beautiful.
IRIS
Good morning, dark roast.
Barry giggles a little while she sits up to take the mug from him. She takes a small sip and gives him a kiss.
IRIS
Thank you, baby.
BARRY
It’s my pleasure.
Iris gives a satisfied hum with her next gulp of coffee.
IRIS
You’ve gotten better at the whole getting me up thing.
BARRY
I think getting here has been a team effort.
Iris flashes Barry a cheeky smile and puts her cup on her nightstand. She brings her hand to the back of his neck and plays with the hair there.
IRIS
Well, waking up next to the hottest speedster in town is a hell of a motivator.
Barry leans his head down to her and they kiss. He gives her two small pecs before stealing the taste of coffee from her tongue.
BARRY
(a little breathless)
If I knew all those years ago that this was all it took…
She gives him a good, hearty laugh before leaning in to kiss him again. Just before their lips meet, there’s a knock on the door.
NORA
Is mommy awake and functional yet?
Both adults laugh at that.
DON
This is getting heavy!
Iris gives him a raised eyebrow and Barry stands up and opens the door. Don hands him something and both twins run into the room and onto the bed.
IRIS
Hi, my babies!
NORA & DON
Happy Mother’s Day!
Barry walks towards her with a tray holding a small vase with flowers, orange juice, a plate of chocolate pancakes with whipped cream and strawberries, and a side of bacon. Underneath the plate is a handmade card the twins made together. Iris gets a little teary-eyed. She gives both twins a squeeze and a kiss.
IRIS
I am the luckiest mom in the whole world. Thank you guys so much.
Barry gives Iris a kiss on the forehead. He gestures with the tray in his hand.
BARRY
Do you need a moment for yourself? Or are you ready to get your day started?
Iris looks at her beautiful, loving little family and truly feels like the luckiest person alive. She softly tickles the twins on their stomachs.
IRIS
Let’s go have some fun.