Insecurities

Stand Up

The couple were walking to school together, hand in hand as usual. Over the past few days, word had vastly spread around the school that the pair were dating, however, they hadn't received much trouble because of it as of yet. It was a relatively short walk from Barry's apartment to the school, and as it was a clear morning so there wasn't much trouble or inconvenience getting there. As they approached the gates, few people were walking in, considering the pair were fairly early. They wondered into the library and sat down at some computers, doing some work and painfully trying their best to keep a slight distance from one another to avoid falling into a make-out session in school, basically attempting to keep a low profile.

As the bell rang signalling the first lesson, the two hugged and then headed off to their lessons, parting in the middle of a corridor.

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As lunch came, the pair met at the bench they met at every day, walking over to lunch together. 

"So how has your day been?" 

"Good thanks, how about you?" Caitlin replied.

"It was okay, nothing too incredible. Have you had any trouble involving us?"

"No, except for the fact that I can't be around you as much as I would like," Caitlin teased, temporarily placing her head on Barry's shoulder, taking it off as the line started to move.

"So, is there anything imparticular you want to do this lunch?" Barry asked out of curiosity.

"Not particularly, I just want to be with you," she said smiling, causing Barry to blush slightly.

They walked into the canteen, bought some food and head outside to a bench, sitting down together whilst eating.

For a few minutes, they were just peacefully eating, however, this peace didn't last long as before they knew it two familiar figures walked in front of them. 

Julian and Iris.

Julian was stood with a smirk, his arms crossed and legs slouching. Iris, on the other hand, was stood up straight, hands on her hips with a similar smirk on her face.

"So, she is your girlfriend," Iris said, causing the couple to fall silent.

"Aww, it's so cute," Julian further teased, causing the two to remain silent.

"Guys..." Barry started, only to be interrupted by Julian.

"Hey, everyone, look at the adorable couple over here!!" He shouted, bringing attention from all around, causing many people to look their way.

"So, Caitlin, may I ask you why you are dating this freak, I can assure you that he is the worst person in this entire school. I can also assure you that I could be so much better for you, Cait. I can treat you better, a beautiful girl like you."

Just hearing the words made both Barry and Caitlin feel sick. Caitlin looked genuinely terrified as well, whereas Barry looked flat out angry. He hated seeing someone call and talk to Caitlin like that, especially an awful person like Julian. He really wanted to speak up, to say something, but there was many people watching him, as well as the fact that he lacked self-confidence. He caught Caitlin's eye, where he noticed a tear forming in her eye. 

At this point, many people had gathered around to watch the unfolding scene.

"Caaaiiittttlin," Iris teased, taking a breath and then continuing.

"I say that he had a good deal, after all, Barry is awful, why to choose him out of anyone? Go with Julian, Caitlin,"

"Come on Cait, you know you want to," Julian said, stepping closer to the pair.

"Back off!" Barry shouted, causing him to look his way and just smirk, continuing to step forward.

"Julian, I love Barry and I would rather die than ever do anything with you," Caitlin snapped, a tear now rolling down her face.

"Yes you would, a pretty girl like you always wants to, just never wants to admit it, do they?" Julian continued, now approaching Caitlin, standing directly in front of her.

There were now loads of people gathered around watching, a whole circular pattern of people standing around them.

"Stay away from her, Julian, she is my girl and she will never be yours!" Barry shouted, looking Caitlin in the eye to see her blushing slightly from the way Barry had just addressed her. Both of them were certainly nervous, but the way Julian was acting was making Barry angry and making Caitlin scared which made Barry ignore many of his insecurities.

"Barry, you know that you stand no chance, me and Julian overpower you any day," Iris said in a somewhat sassy overtone.

"Caitlin, you know you need me, you know that you want me, you can't resist me," Julian said seductively, before continuing, edging closer and closer to Caitlin, causing Barry to grow angrier.

"You know I seduce you, you know it's true," Julian said, before thrusting his hand up Caitlin's skirt, causing her to scream and Barry to stand up, throwing his arm forward and punching Julian in the face, sending him stumbling back, his hand now clasped on his face, groaning in pain.

Everyone watching let out a small gasp, before laughing at Julian who had now collapsed to the floor, Iris jumping back shocked.

"You stay away from her, don't mess with us again," Barry said, as everyone started cheering both Barry and Caitlin's names, as Julian and Iris embarrassingly running off, pushing through the crowd of people as they laughed at them.

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The couple arrived back at Barry's apartment, moving over to the sofa. 

"Thank you so much for everything you did for me today, the way you stood up for me like that was something no one had ever done for me, thank you so much," she smiled, taking hold of his hand.

"It's no problem, I'm sorry I didn't do it sooner, or as well as I could've, but know that I'm always here for you Cait, I promise," he said smiling, embracing Caitlin in a hug, Caitlin burying her face in his neck, blushing slightly.

"Me too, I'll try my best," Caitlin muttered.

"I love you, Barry."

"I love you too, Cait"

They both smiled, pulling apart from the hug and pulling back in, interlocking lips, embracing in another tight hug afterwards.