Dedicated to NoraXSWest-AllenFam and @CamrynKissel for their amazingly awesome support of all my Arrowverse work! I truly love both of your stories and cannot wait to hear what you think of this one-shot :)

"I can't believe that today's the day I get to start 3rd grade!" Thought Nora, excitedly as she practically bounced around her purple-painted bedroom, her short brunette curls jumping along with the energetic little girl as she pranced around the comfy space she called her own.

The whole room was lit up by the white lightning bolt-shaped lights which hung unevenly above her room's TV (I may not have had the best sense of direction, but Mommy and I did it together so, that's all that really matters), her overstuffed dresser drawers organized perfectly by clothing style, just the way she loved it most. She plopped herself down on the yellow-comforter covered canopy bed which lay in the center of the room, the bottom of her purple and red slip-on sneakers playfully tapping against the tan carpeted flooring. She breathed a deep breath, her pink, long sleeve-covered arms crossed over her chest as she dramatically fell backwards on her bed, her eyes shut imaginatively.

She'd been going to school for several years now, but every first day seemed to go better than the last. And she could practically picture her best friend, Lia's, face as they excitedly entered the next chapter in their life where they'd join almost every club in the first week (because you'll never know what you actually want to do if you don't try everything. Plus, it's just more fun that way!). They'd ace every one of their classes and she'd bring her perfect science score back for her amazingly intelligent Dad to hang on the refrigerator for all their friends to see because he was that proud of her before they'd go with her mom and brother to get the special ice cream that was saved for only the most special of occasions.

The only problem is, everything relies on this first day. If everything goes great like I think it will then, I'll be set for the whole year! But if it doesn't...well, that's not going to happen so, I'll never have to worry about that!

"You got this, Nora. Just like Daddy knows you do," Nora whispered to herself as she grabbed a tiny teddy bear and hugged it close to her chest.

Its fuzzy brown fur was worn slightly at the ears, its eyes replaced by bright little orange lightning bolts. Where its paws' usual pads would be were cute red hearts, two initials written on each side of the small shapes; D and N.

It's like I get to sleep in Daddy's arms even when he's not right here with me.

She suddenly heard a gentle tapping of knuckles against her closed door's wood, even just their touch sending a rush of warm love shooting through the little girl's body.

"Nora, Sweetie, do you need any help?" Asked the kind voice of the man she'd known her entire life.

The very person whom she'd hopelessly looked up to since the first time their eyes' had met eight years ago. The only person on the whole planet who was the actual embodiment of love, at least to Nora, that is.

He's my Dad which automatically makes him the best person I'll know!

"Oh no, Daddy, I'm okay! Just running a little late!" Nora called back as she quickly jumped back to her feet, carefully flattening back out her messy curls in a way that totally did not resemble what her Dad did to his hair every morning before she scooped up any miscellaneous school supplies she may need into her flower-decorated backpack.

Multiple sets of pencils, crayons, and notebooks were tossed into its open mouth, their colorful covers momentarily creating a sort of rainbow effect inside her bag that made Nora laugh lightly.

Though, her eyes seemed to linger on the teddy bear which sat lopsided on top of her purple pillows.

"I really shouldn't need to take it, right? I mean, I am eight which means I should be more independent," thought Nora, biting down on her lower lip, thoughtfully.

"Okay, no problem! Take as long as you need, just know I'm here for you if you need well, um, anything," Barry replied, his nervous voice partially interrupted by continuous stutters.

"But then again, I'll never outgrow needing my Dad," conceded Nora as she rushed over to the right side of her canopy, carefully stuffing the teddy inside her backpack before skipping over to the door and happily pulling it open, revealing the face of her loving father.

His tall form was dressed in a nice blue sweater with velvety stripes of the same color running down its cloth in straight lines. His long legs were covered by a pair of worn black jeans, small patches of wear and tear showing mostly towards the knees Nora had sat on so many times before. His tousled brunette hair was combed back on his head perfectly, bringing extra attention to his blue eyes which lit up with love every time he was lucky enough to see the beautiful little girl known as his daughter.

I think I'm the lucky one, though.

"I'm all packed and ready to go!" Declared Nora as she held her head up high, a wide smile of excited happiness covering her sweet-cheeked face.

"That's great, but are you positive you have everything?" Confirmed Barry as he inconspicuously adjusted his daughter's backpack on her shoulders, the gentle touch of his fingertips against her clothed shoulders making Nora laugh quietly.

"Yes! Wait, did I miss something?" She asked, slight concern carrying her high-pitched voice as she looked around the white-walled hallway the pair currently stood in, her eyes taking careful notice of every picture frame which surrounded them, their loving family's faces staring back at the little girl with admiration for one another.

Oh no! I was in such a rush to get out the door that I didn't even realize that I missed something!

"Yeah, I'm sorry to say it, but you did miss one crucial thing," answered Barry, his quiet words quickly followed by an exaggerated sigh of sadness.

"What, Daddy? What did I miss?" Nora pleaded, grabbing her father's hand and vigorously shaking it in anxious anticipation.

"You missed...a hug from your Dad," smiled Barry, his arms immediately wrapping around his daughter's whole little body and lifting her into his arms as he hugged her with all the might a super-speed powered parent could.

"Aw, really, Dad?!" Exclaimed Nora, her cries of joyful happiness reverberating off of the family's large Loft with nearly as much glee as the girl felt every time she was in her father's embrace.

"Sorry, but there are some things that even as smart a kid as you can't escape," Barry grinned, his daughter's right hand now wrapped lovingly in his own right hand, her tiny touch making her Dad's heart skip several beats with absolute appreciation.

"Well, I am eight and a half now so, you can't always baby me," remarked Nora as she tried to do her best impression of her mother's boss face, though it came across as more cutesy than it did serious.

I don't know if I really did her angry nose-twitch right...

"True, but to me, you're always going to be my sweet baby Nora," countered Barry, softly as he gave his daughter one last loving squeeze before carefully lowering her back onto the tan-carpeted floor.

"Well, that's not such a bad thing. As long as you can always be my SuperDaddy?" Confirmed Nora as she playfully bumped her hip into his long tree trunk of a leg.

I hope I get to be as tall as Dad one day.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," smiled Barry, looking into his daughter's sweet chocolate chip eyes as he spoke.

"Superhero swear on it?" Offered Nora, bowing slightly as she extended her hand out for him to shake.

"One-hundred percent," responded Barry, pretending to hold his voice at a much more serious tone to add to his daughter's fun.

"Then it will forever be true," nodded Nora, firmly before bursting out into light giggles.

Daddy always finds a way to make me laugh.

"Sounds almost as perfect as you are. Now let's go get you something to eat before you need to leave for your first day of 3rd grade," stated Barry, gesturing towards the stairs where his wife and son were currently eating their own breakfast banquet he had made for them a few minutes prior.

A convenience that was heavily helped by his super-speed.

"Schway! Can you please make me french toast sticks, Daddy?" Asked Nora, giving her very best attempt at puppy dog eyes to her father.

"Well, it'll be tough, but I think I can make it work," answered Barry, jokingly before Nora excitedly grabbed his hand and pulled him down the stairs.

Yes! The best way to start the best day is with Dad's amazing cooking!

Nora's eyes immediately lit up as she saw the gigantic feast which was spread carefully across the circular old oak kitchen table her Grandpa Joe had made for the family in the early years of his retirement. Stacks upon stacks of buttery pancakes teetered on their white plastic dishes, sweet syrupy goodness dripping down their soft battery sides as each second passed by that the young speedster wasn't devouring their contents. A large bowl of fresh strawberries seemed to act as the family's centerpiece, their dark green leafy tops adding a sort of refreshing break from the colorful backdrop that surrounded them. She could practically see the crisp steam that wafted off the scrambled eggs and cooked bacon, her mouth nearly watering at the smell of the delicious meal. Best of all, a jar of fried french toast sticks leaned out of one of her Grammy Cecile's homemade jars, their bodies shaped perfectly like little lightning bolts.

I cannot wait to eat every last piece of this!

Sitting beside all of the fantastic food was her mother, Iris, who was dressed in a casual orange pantsuit, the long strands of her wavy black hair brushing against her strong shoulder blades as she sipped her warm coffee from Jitters. Held carefully in her caring arms was Nora's baby brother, Bart, whose face wore an energetic smile that could not be described as anything but perfect to his big sister.

I mean, he's my little brother, how can he not be?

"So, what do you think?" Whispered Barry, excitement carrying his quiet voice as he looked over at his daughter.

Nothing made him simultaneously happier and more nervous than getting the chance to show how much he loved his children.

"This is amazing! I can't wait to eat it, Daddy! Thank you!" Exclaimed Nora, throwing her short arms halfway around his waist, a look of equal thankfulness glued to her face.

"Well, good thing you don't have to wait," Urged Barry, patting her gently on the top of the head before nodding towards the kitchen.

"You're right! What was I waiting for?!" Cried Nora before she quickly raced over to the table and plopped down into one of the eight matching dining seats.

How didn't I notice that?!

"Good morning, Nora," Iris smiled warmly at her daughter as she watched her speed-shoveling bits of every food into her mouth at once, Bart seemingly clapping along to the continuously clanking of silverware against her plate.

"Hey, mom," she replied happily, though her words were barely audible due to the pancake currently packed inside her mouth.

Iris just laughed at her children's antics, Barry leaning down and giving his wife a sweet kiss on the lips before sitting down beside her at the table.

"Again, again!" Pleaded Bart, his little hands still energetically clapping against one another as he cheered his sister on.

"Actually, I think I may be reaching my limit. Don't wanna throw up on the swings, again," admitted Nora, sheepishly pushing a strand of her brunette hair behind her right ear, sticky maple syrup smeared slightly onto her chin.

"Awwww," baby Bart moaned, his head dropping down sadly for a total of two seconds before a smile returned to his face as Barry ticked his tummy.

Phew! The last thing I wanted to do was make him upset but...I just don't think I could eat anymore.

"Better?" Asked Barry, smiling widely down at their son's happy face.

"Yeah, Dada!" He exclaimed, throwing his hands up and running them through his Dad's hair, distractedly.

Nora and Iris exchanged silent laughter, knowing full well just how much Barry tried to keep his hair absolutely perfect.

But that just shows how much he cares about Bart.

"Hey, by the way, Nora, you shouldn't feel too bad about the whole swing thing. It happened to your father when he was your age, too," Iris remarked, playfully smirking at her husband as she carefully slid Bart into his arms before grabbing the dishes and taking them over to the kitchen sink.

"It did, Daddy?" She asked, a sort of hopeful bounce carrying her words as she mindlessly wiped the syrup from her face.

Gotta look my best for my first day. Though, I kinda do everyday. At least I do with mom's help, that is.

"I was hoping that could stay between the two of us," said Barry, sighing embarrassedly at the thought.

"That's what you get for telling her about that time in middle school I tried to outsell Susy Burtons in girl scouts. Plus, you technically only threw up because you ate those fifteen cookies for me after no one bought them for my community bake sale," stated Iris, a loving smile coming to her face at the memory.

It didn't matter if they were barely friends, lovers, or so much more, there never had been or would be a time that Barry wouldn't do anything to make her happy. A fact she would never take for granted, either.

"And I'd do it again," smiled Barry back, his eyes seemingly lost in hers for several seconds before their conversation continued.

"Which happens to just be one of the many reasons I love you," she whispered, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before helping Nora finish gathering the remainder of her school supplies.

"Oh, so you threw up because of Mom's baking?" Joked Nora, playfully grinning at Iris.

"Aha, very funny, Missy," she said, rolling her eyes in fake annoyance at her sarcastic joke.

I love how we can all just be ourselves around each other, no matter how different we all might be.

"You ready to go, Sweetie?" Iris asked Nora as she pulled a long black coat over her own shoulders, pushing the car keys into her right pocket.

"Yep! Are you and Bart coming with us?" Nora asked Barry, excitedly smiling at Iris as they watched Barry juggling a large stack of empty plates in one hand, Bart still fidgeting energetically with his Dad's hair.

"Well, your mother's going to be dropping you off because I have to take Bart to a doctor's appointment, but I'll definitely be there to pick you up afterwards," explained Barry, his son's hand waving goofily to his sister as if she was already out the door.

"Oh, yeah, I totally get it," replied Nora, her words falling out of her mouth much quicker than she'd intended them to.

Why didn't I just play it cool?!

"And we know that you're going to have the perfect day," Iris added, squeezing her daughter's shoulders in reassurance that everything was going to be okay.

Even without hearing the words technically spoken aloud, the two West-Allen parents were keen to pick up on their daughter's nervousness.

"Thanks, Mom," she nodded, her anxious eyes slowly finding her father's loving ones.

"No problem, Nora. Now, let's make sure we actually get you to school on time," stated Iris as she ushered her daughter out the door, nodding understandingly at Barry before softly closing it behind them.

"Good luck!" Barry quickly called through the closed exit, his words making Nora's heart skip a beat.

Yeah, Mom and Dad are both right. I just gotta believe in myself! Piece of cake...

"And you have your fuzzy purple pencil, right? Because we can always turn around and grab it if we need to," commented Iris, her usually confident voice seemingly finding a much more stammering tone than her daughter was used to hearing.

"Yep, I have everything I need, Mom. Don't worry," Nora answered as she watched several kids her age racing inside the large brick building she assumed was her new school.

It looked much bigger than the ones she was used to, its tall classic red brick walls reminding her of a cozy cottage.

Well, you know what they say, the bigger the school, the more you learn!

"What, me? I'm not worried," laughed Iris, dismissively.

"Then why are you squeezing my hand so tightly?" Countered Nora, playfully smiling up at her mom.

"What?" Asked Iris, her eyes suddenly darting down to her ever-increasing grip around her daughter's small hand.

Nora raised an eyebrow, skeptically at her, just as her mother had so many times before when she was upset.

I have to be learning these skills from someone and who's a better example to learn them from than my mom, right?

"Oh, right, sorry," stammered Iris, embarrassedly releasing her daughter's hand from her own.

The two looked around the wide parking lot, tall oak trees seemingly positioned every few feet along the side of the pavement. Various colored cars were parked ambily in the plants' shade, children of similar ages to Nora and their parents saying bittersweet goodbyes to their precious little gifts. Tears of anticipated joy continuously flooded down their faces, their kind smiles being a perfect demonstration of their infinite love for one another. A feeling much similar to the one racing through both Nora's and Iris' bodies, too.

"This is crazy, I'm sorry. I'm supposed to be the one comforting you," admitted Iris, laughing lightly at her own uneasiness.

"You are, just in your own special way," smiled Nora before the pair wrapped their arms around each other in a loving embrace.

"You're going to do great, today," Iris reassured her daughter one last time, tears slipping down her cheeks at the words.

She wasn't entirely sure if she was speaking the words aloud because Nora needed to hear them or because she did. But regardless of the reason, she whole-heartedly believed every word.

"I know I will because I'm Nora West-Allen which means I have to be at least half as great as you and Dad are," complimented Nora back, holding onto her mom extra tightly for a few seconds before the pair let each other go.

"That's right you are. Now go have some fun," Iris smiled, encouragingly nodding to the brand new building which lay ahead of her daughter.

"Thanks! Love you, Mom!" exclaimed Nora, tightening the straps of her backpack over her shoulders before running off (without super-speed, of course) into the crowd of her soon-to-be fellow friends across the lot.

Perfect day, here I come...

"I really hope I didn't make her upset earlier when I couldn't come with Iris to drop her off, I've just been working on this special surprise for her and...well, I probably shouldn't jinx myself before I've even given it to her. I just really hope she likes it! Side note, I'm also getting to pick my daughter up from her first day of third grade which I can't wait to hear everything about!" Thought Barry, his excitement only increasing as he turned right on the smooth concrete road towards the building his daughter was sure to be standing outside of in just a few minutes.

It didn't matter how long he'd been The Flash or how many great moments he'd been lucky enough to have in his life, the moments he'd shared with Iris and their children, those would be ones he'd remember forever.

It doesn't matter if I'm just seeing Bart's goofy grin or listening to Nora's last slumber party with her friends, every moment with them will always be special to me because I'm sharing it with the three most amazing people I'll ever know. My family.

He watched the road with caution as he slowly parked his ruby red Sudan beside the building's tall walls, its black-treaded tires just barely stopping before smacking into the tiny shrubs that surrounded it. To put it simply, he wasn't exactly the bestest driver, though that was just a consequence of having super-speed as his primary mode of transportation.

If I'm being completely honest, I was never that good of a driver before that.

He immediately unbuckled his seatbelt and threw open the driver seat's car door, the loud clicking of the vehicle's stationary signals sounding noisily around the lot, attracting the vague attention of some adults who were also waiting for their children. Barry quickly fumbled for the off button on his car keys, awkwardly waving his hand at the frustrated strangers.

Yeah, I'm not really making the best first impression, am I?

He breathed a heavy sigh of embarrassment as he leaned up against the red car's slick exterior, his blue eyes seemingly stuck on the glass front doors of the school, awaiting his little girl's excellent exit that was surely to be coming any second. He wanted more than anything to just run in and greet Nora inside, though even he could see how that could be embarrassing, especially on her first day.

In my defense, she makes it nearly impossible not to want to see her every second of every day.

Though luck was in the speedster's favor for it only was about a minute of waiting before his curly-haired cutie of a daughter walked out the school's front doors, only moving slightly slower than her best friend, Lia.

"Nora, over here!" Barry shouted, no longer being able to hold back his enthusiasm at seeing his daughter.

I got halfway there on the embarrassing scale so that should be good enough, right?

But slowly, Barry's expression of excitement changed to one of concern as his daughter drew nearer, her tear-stained cheeks fully coming into her father's view. Her perfectly curled strands of short hair hung uneven against her face, her eyes still slightly red from the crying she'd done earlier in the day. The large glittery heart that had once shone on her pink t-shirt seemed faded with wear, its graphic image no longer kept perfectly intact like the young girl had declared she wanted it to be just the night prior. But the sight that really broke her father's heart to see was the now quivering lip which had replaced the smile he loved seeing on his daughter's face more than anything else in the entire world.

"Nora! Nora, what happened?" Barry asked, concernedly rushing over to where his daughter stood just across the long road which divided the parking lot from the school's only entrance, kneeling down beside her on the pavement sidewalk.

Nora didn't respond, sniffling loudly as she tried her very best to hold back the tears that so strongly wanted to flood down her face.

Barry turned his head to Lia, quietly hoping for the response Nora couldn't currently give him, though she just looked down at the ground as if she hadn't heard him talking.

How could anything hurt her like this?

"N,n,nothing happened. I'm just so glad to see you," Nora finally replied, her small hands adjusting her backpack's straps, absentmindedly.

She was honestly trying not to let her true feelings show, though even through all her effort, her big brown eyes still seemed to drop a few tears down onto her father's resting knee.

"Whatever happened, It's okay to tell me," reassured Barry, softly as he placed his hands on his daughter's shoulders, sympathetically.

I'm always going to be here for her, no matter what way she needs me to be.

"No, I'm okay, honestly. Let's just get home to Mom and Bart," stated Nora, half-heartedly as she tried to inconspicuously wipe away the wet droplets which had splashed down her face.

Barry didn't respond for a few seconds, seemingly contemplating if it was better or not to push the remaining question further.

No, I can't do that. Whenever I was upset, Joe always gave me a little space to fully process what happened before pushing the conversation he knew we needed to have. I have to do the same thing if I want her to feel comfortable talking to me about it.

"That's okay, we can go home," Barry replied, gently as he pushed himself back onto his black sneakered feet beside his daughter.

Nora nodded, thankfully, quietly walking beside him across the road and getting into their car without the usual request of a hug from her Dad.

Barry sighed as he watched her get into the vehicle, his heart swelling with an immediate sadness at the sight of his daughter's frown.

I'm her Dad, I'm not supposed to let anything hurt her.

"Do you need us to take you home?" He offered Lia to which the little girl nodded her head from side to side.

"It's, it's okay, my mom's coming to pick me up in just a second," Lia responded, her long blonde ponytail jumping lightly against her blue-sweatered back with every sentence she spoke.

"Are you sure? Because it really wouldn't be a problem for me considering your house is only a few blocks from our apartment," confirmed Barry, politely.

"Yeah, I'll be okay. In fact, there's my mom now," Lia stated, a small smile cresting onto her face as she watched a blue SUV slowly pulling into the lot.

Usually, this would be a time that Barry stuck around to talk to Lia's parent, Cindy, though time was of complete essence when it came to helping his daughter feel better.

"Fair enough, just tell her, Iris and I said hi," stated Barry, walking Lia to the close sidewalk in order to make sure the little girl avoided any type of injury before getting into his own car.

"You ready to go?" Barry asked Nora, the palms of his hands tapping the inactive steering wheel, absentmindedly.

"Yeah, of course, Dad," Nora responded, her head still hanging down lowly on her shoulders.

"Then let's go home," Barry smiled softly through the rearview mirror before starting the vehicle's ignition.

Just give it time, she'll tell you what's going on when she's ready.

It always felt very strange for it to take Barry half an hour to get anywhere, especially when that time frame was hindered so often by the loud beeps of honking vehicles that surrounded the pair's currently trapped car in the extreme traffic.

"So, do you want to choose the music? You know, like maybe one of those country songs your Aunt Sue has you into right now?" Suggested Barry, a light laugh following his words.

Sue really has done a lot for us over the years and she'll always be family, but sometimes her interests are very different than what most would expect them to be. Honestly, I think that's why she and Ralph make such a great pair.

"Thanks, but you can choose this time," replied Nora, dismissively as she twirled a short strand of her hair around her right hand's pinky finger.

It was proving to be nearly impossible for her dad to keep his eyes on the road for they never wanted to stop looking at his daughter. Or rather, stop trying to comfort her.

"Sure, that's okay, too," said Barry as he turned one or two of the dials on the dashboard to the side, his fingertips idling above the worn black controls before he swiftly discovered the perfect song to cheer his daughter up.

This one always makes her smile...

Loud pop music immediately started blaring from the car's stereo, the entire vehicle's vents releasing the upbeat music with ease;

"You can feel it, I can feel it like we're both awake and dreaming."

"There's nowhere else we'd rather be, we're making our own history."

"Cause we're a page turner, heart warmer, science-fiction fantasy."

"We can go to the moon and back. To the moon and back without even leaving."

Sang the singer's energetic voice as it bounced around the space, its unique distant background beat creating just the uplifting feeling Barry knew his daughter needed right now.

"Oh, I know you love this part," he commented, moving his shoulders jovially in his best attempt at the worst dance move he could possibly manage to do while still keeping his hands on the steering wheel.

"Dad, c'mon, that's not funny," moaned Nora, the smallest of smiles cresting onto her red-cheeked face.

It's working, Barry, you just have to go a little further...

"I'm sorry, but this song is just too catchy not to dance to," Barry pretended to sigh, jokingly.

"Well, yeah, but that doesn't include you," remarked Nora, a hint of annoyed happiness dripping into her low-toned voice.

"Maybe not before, but now, now this song is going to be my new jam," announced Barry, proudly drumming his fingers against the wheel's rubber cover.

"Dad, please, stop!" Nora giggled, her voice ringing with the sweetness Barry loved to hear so much.

"I think it's a little too late to go back now, Nora," Barry smiled widely, bobbing his head to the song's fast-paced beat.

Unfortunately though for him, the peppy music's beat slowly died out, the song's final drum beat disappearing almost as quickly as it had seemed to come. Nora's smile going with it.

"Do you wanna maybe listen to it again?" Offered Barry, his fingers swiftly fiddling anxiously with the dials.

"No, it's okay, Dad. I'd rather just not talk anyway," reasoned Nora, half-heartedly looking back down at her sneakers.

He wanted to push further, but he could tell from the clear tears glistening in her brown eyes that she wasn't ready yet to be okay.

"No problem, I understand," nodded Barry, barely being able to keep the disappointment out of his voice.

So much for helping her through it, Barry.

Before either of the West-Allens even really realized it, they were standing at their Loft's old oak front door.

"Your Mom and brother are out grocery shopping but they'll be back any minute now," explained Barry as he pushed the heavy entrance open, letting his daughter move through it before clicking its metal shut behind her.

"If you want, we can always spend some father-daughter time together? You know, like watching one of those history cartoons your mother can't stand watching?" Suggested Barry, jovially.

Iris was far from being against learning about history, but let's just say that she wasn't the largest fan of watching the same films with Nora that she'd had to endure hours of when she and Barry were kids.

Yeah, I wasn't always the best when it came to picking new things, was I?

"Thanks, Dad, but I kinda just wanna go hang out in my room, if that's okay? You know, get all my school stuff organized," replied Nora, gesturing vaguely to the backpack she'd kept so close to her since the first moment her father had seen her earlier that day.

"Yeah, that's fine. Just call me if you need anything," smiled Barry, encouragingly before Nora entered her room, closing the door gently behind her.

Barry pulled off his black denim jacket and hung it on their metal coat hook near the door before dropping down onto the tan-colored cushions of their sofa. He breathed a heavy breath, throwing his head backwards, exhaustedly.

It doesn't matter how many times I try to be the best dad I can be for her, she's always going to deserve a better one than anything I can give her. One who's just as amazing as she is.

Not someone like me.

His thoughts were quickly cut off though by his little girl's quiet sobbing, the sound bringing a few tears to her father's eyes, too.

Barry quietly moved up the stairs and over to the door, knocking lightly against its wooden exterior.

"Hey, Nora, can I come in?" He asked, his right hand already jumping to unlock the only barrier which stood between him and his upset daughter.

"N,n,no, Dad, I'm alright. Just need a few minutes to finish organizing this stuff," she replied, her words stifled by tears.

Barry's hand remained glued to the doorknob for several seconds, the man fighting the strongest of urges to break through the barrier, hugging her in his arms as tightly as he could.

But from somewhere deep within himself, a place he didn't even know how to fully reach, an idea raced through his mind as smoothly as the river flows. Almost like a secondary instinct, feeling nearly as essential to living as breathing itself was.

"Hey, that's okay. Maybe you can just listen to a little something real quick?" He whispered, softly as he leaned over and grabbed the slightly dented chestnut brown guitar which stood just beside his daughter's purple bedroom door.

There was no response, but it didn't matter because he didn't have to see his daughter's face to believe that she was listening to his words.

He slowly started strumming the acoustic guitar's thick strings, letting his entire body slowly slide down the door's exterior until he was sitting on the ground, the back of his head resting against its even wooden surface.

I can do this.

"I can still remember the first time I saw those brown eyes staring into mine," Barry began, his voice slightly shaking with nervousness, though his hands steadily continued to strum the instrument.

"It was in that moment that I felt a love I never knew I could find."

"It's like God took my heart right out of my chest and wrapped it all up in a little pink dress."

"Painted the most beautiful smile in the world and topped it all off with brown hair and curls," Barry continued, an appreciative smile forming on his face as he held the perfect image of his daughter's brightly shining face in his mind with every lyric he sang.

"The day he made, my baby girl."

He felt the gentle thump of a small body leaning up against the other side of the door, the light touch bringing the man the remaining courage he needed to keep singing.

"Cause the best parts of me were given to you."

"And I hope all your dreams come true."

"And as time goes by, I want you to know, that I'll be with you wherever you go."

"You'll always be, my baby girl."

The tense nerves that had been building up in his body seemed to fade within an instant, one of his long legs casually unfolding in front of his chest, the other one leaning comfortably against it.

"She's as sweet as the syrup she dripped on her dress."

"Won't leave the house if her hair is a mess," he sang, the softest of laughs carrying that particular lyric.

"You should see her dancing when she thinks she's alone."

"And the snaps she sends me from her Mama's phone."

"I've made so many mistakes in my life, at least I did one thing right."

"My baby girl."

He felt a few tears slip down his cheeks as he shared every thought which encapsulated his heart, letting his whole sense of direction fade away in favor of showing his daughter his whole self.

"Cause the best parts of me were given to you."

"And I hope all your dreams come true."

"And as time goes by, I want you to know, that I'll be with you wherever you go."

"You'll always be, my baby girl."

Slowly, he felt the door between father and daughter open, the teary-eyed face of his Sweet Nora shining vibrantly in the afternoon sunlight which shone in from the staircase's small ledge window. She didn't say a single word before just sitting down on her father's lap, nestling her head close to his chest as she listened to his kind voice.

"There'll be some hard times you'll face in this life, but just say the word and I'm by your side," Barry continued, Nora's sweet eyes shut tightly as she felt the full embrace of her Dad's love wash over her.

"And all those band-aids and heartbreaks, and days that go wrong. You'll never face them alone."

"Cause those best parts of me, never leave you."

"Wherever you go, whatever you do."

"And if there comes a time, I'm not around, you know where I'll be found," Barry spoke as he brushed a strand or two of his daughter's soft brunette hair out of her face with the one hand he didn't currently have the guitar in, taking in the full beauty of the person who lay in front of him.

The person who he loved more than could possibly be described.

The little girl who made everyday of his life better by just being in it.

His daughter.

"My baby girl."

He finished, strumming the acoustic instrument one last time, its delicate strings releasing the softest of beats that perfectly matched his sweet-toned voice he sang so gently with.

Every lyric I sang in that song couldn't be more true.

"So, what do you think?" Barry whispered, nervously as he watched Nora's eyes slowly open to meet his.

"Did you, did you write that?" She asked as she felt his right hand wipe away a tear that fell so beautifully down the side of her face.

"Yeah, a little bit. Your mother and I were planning on throwing you a special party later tonight when you got home and I just figured, you know, I could write you a little something as a surprise present. Especially since nothing else really could compare with how great of a daughter you are, after all," explained Barry, his entire voice being carried singularly by the love he felt so strongly for her.

"So you wrote that, that about me?" Nora confirmed, her voice still stuttering every few words due to the complete awe that filled her very vein.

"Of course, I did," he smiled softly at her, the warmth of her head resting against his chest sending a wave of insurmountable love shooting through his entire body.

She didn't say another word, immediately throwing her arms around him as tightly as she possibly could, tears of joy pouring out of her eyes.

"That was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard, Daddy. Thank you so much," she whispered, burying her head deeper into his chest.

"Anything for you, Nora," he whispered back, one of the widest smiles he'd ever had spreading across his face as he kissed his daughter on the top of the head.

How did I ever get lucky enough to have her as my daughter?

They stayed locked in each other's embrace for what could've been seconds or days, neither of the two wanting to let go of one another.

"Dad, can I tell you something?" Nora asked, a little bit of nervousness creeping its way back into her voice.

Though, it was a much more muted one than before.

"Of course," urged Barry, the pair's arms still wrapped around one another.

"The reason I was so upset earlier was, was because one of my new classmates grabbed my backpack and she, they ripped the special bear you bought me. And I know I'm eight now so, I shouldn't have brought it to school, I was just so nervous! And I...I wanted you there with me," admitted Nora, shutting her eyes in embarrassment at her own words.

"Nora, you're not being overdramatic at all! No one should be bullying you for anything, especially something like that," reasoned Barry, sympathetically squeezing her a little tighter to tell her that everything was going to be okay.

She really is the sweetest kid in the world.

"Yeah, I know, but maybe they're right. Maybe I'm just being too much of a baby. Oh, you wouldn't understand," sighed Nora, sadly.

"Nora, you're perfect just the way you are. And as for what those kids did, I actually know a little more about that than you think," responded Barry, quietly.

"What do you mean? You're thee Flash! No one would ever try and hurt you!" Exclaimed Nora in disbelief, pulling slightly out of their embrace in surprise.

"Being a hero doesn't mean you don't get hurt. And even if it did, I wasn't always The Flash. I used to get bullied all the time in school," explained Barry, smiling softly at her prior comment.

I'll never be able to forget those swirlies Tony gave me in junior high...

"But you're so great! So could anyone do that?" Questioned Nora, incredulously.

"Because sometimes when people are hurting, they do bad things. Which is why it's up to us to show them a better way," spoke Barry, his loving blue eyes meeting his daughter's.

Nora just smiled at her father, listening intently to his every word.

"And as for the bear, Iris and I will make sure that you get another one, but in the meantime, you'll just have to settle for me," smiled Barry, softly as he pulled his daughter closer to his chest, once again letting both their bodies' warmth become one.

"I never want anything less, Daddy," whispered Nora back as she snuggled up closely to her Dad, letting his chin rest caringly on top of her head.

I feel the exact same way.

She stayed snuggled up next to him for several more minutes, her head resting gently against his muscular chest as he quietly strummed the guitar's strings with the sweet melody he'd written for his daughter until the pair heard the door's lock click open from downstairs.

"Hey, guys, how did your day-" Began Iris, her excited words being abruptly cut short by the sight of their daughter sitting so sweetly on her husband's lap.

"Hey, mom, guess what Dad did?! He wrote me a song!" Nora immediately exclaimed, her comment bringing a wide smile of joy to her father's face.

"He did? That's amazing," Iris replied, her loving brown eyes meeting Barry's for the slightest of seconds as she carefully adjusted Bart in her arms.

"I want song, Dada!" Bart exclaimed happily, clapping his hands together at the thought.

All three of the other West-Allens laughed lightly at his exclamation.

"Well, it would only be fair if I wrote one about you someday considering I already wrote one for your mother," reasoned Barry as Iris gently sat down on the ground beside him, Nora and Bart still sitting respectively on their laps.

"Yay!" Grinned Bart, Nora smiling happily at their Dad's comment, too.

"So, now that we're all here, do you think that, you know...you could play us my song again?" Asked Nora, her head tilting up so her eyes could meet her father's.

"I for one, think that sounds like a great idea," added Iris as she softly rested her head against Barry's shoulder, Bart supported gently in her arms.

"I'll play it for you anytime you want me to," stated Barry, smiling down warmly at his daughter.

"Aw, thanks, Dad," whispered Nora back, her eyes slowly shutting as returned her head to its original resting place.

"Anytime," whispered Barry back as he gave his daughter one last kiss on the forehead, making sure to pull Iris and Bart extra close to his chest before slowly beginning to strum the song's cords once more.

No matter what life throws at her, we're always going to be here to pick her back up.