Westallen

Westallen is the het ship between Barry Allen and Iris West from The Flash fandom.

Season 1
Barry Allen and Iris West have been best friends since they were children, and Barry has been harboring romantic feelings for her since he can remember. After his mother Nora is murdered and his father Henry is arrested, Barry goes to live with Iris and her father Joe. Barry insists that his father is innocent and a "man in yellow" is responsible for his mother's death, and Iris is the only one who believes him. However, he keeps his feelings for her hidden until he is struck by the particle accelerator and falls into a 9-month coma.

Once he's woken up, he finds himself imbued with speed powers and another secret he must keep from Iris. Meanwhile, she has started dating Detective Eddie Thawne in Barry's absence, making Barry feel like he's lost his chance with her. Despite having a boyfriend, Iris remains invested in her best friend's well-being. Upon catching wind of a mysterious being who speeds around Central City saving people and stopping criminals, Iris begins documenting his exploits on her blog in an effort to prove that Barry was right about the night his mother died. Barry, on the other hand, has been tasked with keeping Iris away from danger by erasing her curiosity about "the Streak."

Of course, Barry can't help himself and starts visiting her in disguise instead, flirting with her in ways he can't when he's just himself. Iris gives him the name The Flash on her blog and ends up helping him a few times before a rage-inspiring metahuman in episode 8 (Rainbow Raider) leads to The Flash attacking her boyfriend Eddie. After that, she cuts off contact with the superhero for a time. Iris agrees to move in with Eddie, which causes Barry to confess his love for her. Iris is loyal, however, and cannot reciprocate anymore. That is until episode 15, when her father is kidnapped and a tidal wave is threatening to destroy Central City. Iris tells Barry she can't stop thinking about him, and he kisses her before revealing himself as The Flash. Unfortunately, he immediately travels back in time in his attempt to save the city, thus erasing Iris' confession. Despite this setback, Barry still learns in episode 20 that he and Iris are marrried in the future.

When Reverse Flash (Eobard Thawne, the man who killed Barry's mother) kidnaps Eddie, The Flash comes to prevent him from hurting Iris. Sparks fly when The Flash touches Iris' hand, the same sparks that flew when she touched Barry while he was in his coma. Iris confronts her best friend and eventually her father about their lies before officially joining the team to help find Eddie and stop the Reverse Flash. At this time, Iris admits to Barry once more that she has feelings for him, but her priority is her current romantic relationship.

After Reverse Flash is caught, Barry makes a deal with him to go back in time and save his mother in exchange for granting Eobard his freedom. Iris supports this decision because she wants Barry to be happy, even though it will mean her current reality is erased. At the last second, though, Barry decides to simply say goodbye to his mother and go stop Reverse Flash. The battle does not go his way until Eddie kills himself, which essentially kills Eobard as well because he is Eddie's descendant.

Season 2
Eobard's death opened a wormhole in Central City, which weakened the barrier between this Earth and the neighboring one, Earth-2. Believing himself to be the cause for Eddie's (and Ronnie's) death as well as the new villains, Barry does not renew his confessions to Iris. Instead he keeps to himself and dissolves Team Flash until Iris convinces him to come to Flash Day. After that, she recruits Cisco and Stein to return to STAR Labs and work with Barry whether he wants it or not.

Barry and Iris remain best friends but neither one brings up their feelings from the year before. Once he's fallen back into a routine, Barry starts dating a cop named Patty Spivot after some prodding from Joe, who says he must try to move on from Iris even if he'll never feel the same way about another woman. Iris is supportive of the relationship and suggests that he tell Patty he's The Flash if he's serious about her, to avoid the misunderstanding and hurt that Iris herself experienced previously. Barry does not seem ready to tell Patty, however, and instead lets her leave town without admitting it himself. On a trip to Earth-2 to rescue Harrison Wells' daughter Jesse from the new big bad Zoom, Barry runs into Iris' doppelganger. She is a police detective who is married to Barry's doppelganger, and Barry starts playing along instead of continuing his mission because - again - he can't help himself. Eventually he and his team rescue Jesse with Earth-2 Iris and Barry's help, and Barry returns home remembering just how much he loves his own Iris again.

Despite being coerced into revealing their married status on another Earth, Barry still does not take steps towards asking Earth-1 Iris out. Instead, he helps her move on from grieving Eddie by presenting her with a birthday message from him. Barry tells her that he filmed Eddie the year before when he was preparing a surprise birthday gift for Iris, but in reality he had made sure to get some closure for Iris in his most recent trip back in time.

As far as Barry knows, Iris will use this closure to start dating Scott Evans. But Iris can't bring herself to go out with him, having decided that Barry is the man she wants to move on with. She finally tells him in episode 20, while he's deciding whether or not to undergo a risky electrocution to gain his powers back. She wants him to know that she loves him whether he's The Flash or just Barry Allen. Barry is deeply moved which alters his decision to get his powers back. However, once Zoom kills honest people he decides he must. The explosion sends him into the speedforce, but Iris is able to get him out with Cisco's help.

His trip to and from the speedforce has Barry feeling pretty invincible, so he asks Iris out in episode 22. Of course, Zoom immediately proceeds to murder his father Henry, because Barry is not allowed happiness. After defeating Zoom, Barry still feels totally empty. Iris reminds him that she loves him and is ready to move forward whenever he is, and he lets her know that he needs time. After she assures him that she will wait as long as it takes, Barry decides to go all the way back in time and save his mother... What he feels he should have done at the end of season one.

Season 3
After saving his mother, Barry enters a new version of reality in which he is not The Flash. Because he and Iris did not interact after elementary school in this reality. After watching her for months, he works up the courage to flirt with her at Jitters and scores a date on the first try. Reverse Flash - whom he has pulled out of the time stream and kept trapped since rescuing his mother - informs Barry that soon he will lose his own powers and forget about the previous timeline entirely, which at first Barry is fine with. As far as he's concerned, it's the perfect world. However, Joe is an alcoholic who hasn't spoken to his kids in years here, and Iris' brother Wally is the City's hero. Barry and Iris go on their first date and everything is falling into place until Barry starts to lose the memories of his original timeline. Once Wally is attacked by The Rival and at death's door, Barry makes the choice to return to his own reality before it's too late. Iris can feel the connection between herself and Barry, she insists Wally and Cisco help him. Barry's describes their love as having "escaped definition." They kiss before he goes back to his original timeline.

Barry thinks he's set everything right once he reappears in the show's original continuity, but it turns out there are several differences. At first the team is very upset with him, but Iris reminds them that they're a family and they have to forgive each other whenever possible. Despite his missteps, he manages to pick up where he left off with Iris and starts dating her. They are very much besotted with one another, enjoying the fact they are finally together after long last. Going through the little amusing relationship bumps along the way when Joe walks in on them kissing.

Barry discovers that the newspaper from the future that once told him he would marry her no longer says Iris West-Allen, but he does not dwell on it.

One of the big changes from Flashpoint - the name of Barry's alternate reality in the premiere - is the new big bad, Savitar. In episode 9, Barry is propelled to the future while throwing Savitar in the speedforce. He sees himself standing in front of a freed Savitar, who kills Iris while Barry is unable to stop him. Believing he still has time to save her, Barry returns to the present and decides to live in the moment. He steals Iris away from the Christmas festivities and reveals his gift for her, an apartment. They say "I love you" to one another for the first official time and kiss as the camera fades out.

Iris quickly catches onto his nightmares, though, and Barry eventually breaks down and tells her about her possible death. Iris insists that they need the help of the entire team to stop Savitar, but isn't ready to break the news to her father yet. Cisco uses his Vibe powers to periodically help Barry check in on the future, and Barry begins training Wally in earnest to save Iris if he himself fails. Iris goes through periods of fear and dismissal, but tells her father the truth in episode 12. Though they are cautious and stressed about Savitar's eventual return, Barry and Iris are very happy together.

Barry travels to Earth-2 to once again stop the prophesy coming true. Iris is adamant that Barry doesn’t have to do it. He responds, “Everything I do is for you.” In Season 3 Episode 14, Barry prepares an extremely romantic breakfast for Iris, she is surprised. Barry beams as his love for Iris continues to show through his actions. They kiss and leave the breakfast to go instead. Through the episode Barry realizes he needs to live in the present. He surprises Iris by proposing with his grandfather’s ring. In Episode 15, they announce to the team they are engaged, everyone is ecstatic for them. Wally, nervous about Iris’ impending death, asks Cisco to vibe him to the future. He notices that Iris isn’t wearing a ring and returns to the present, blasting Barry and revealing this to Iris. She is upset, and Barry chases after her in the hallway declaring, “I love you, I love you more than anything.” Barry and Iris’ hiccup continues as Iris is unsure if they should go ahead with the engagement. She takes off the ring and Barry is devastated, In an attempt to save Wally, and redeem himself in Iris’ eyes Barry goes into the Speedforce to rescue him. Iris does some soul searching after Barry’s near death experience in the Speedforce, decides to cast her worries. Barry, on the other hand, comes to the opposite conclusion and decides to focus on saving Iris from Savitar, rather than living in the moment. They call of the engagement. Barry Is depressed over his situation with Iris and barely able to get off the couch for a week straight. However, when Kara is in danger he is summoned to Star Labs to help. Barry and Iris share an awkward encounter it is evident they are both deeply affected by the events of the last episode. Barry gets trapped in a musical by the meta of the week. Through the episode, he sees the error in his ways when he encounters Mille Floss (Iris) who is set on being with her fiancé Tommy (Mon El). Iris comes to the same realization as she and the Team desperately attempt to save Barry from dying in the musical dream world. Iris rushes to Barry’s aid and saves him with True Love’s Kiss. They are happily reunited. Back at their apartment, Barry begins to sing to Iris, “Runnin’ Home To You.” As he serenades her, he proposes and she happily accepts. Barry, Iris and the Team race against the clock to stop Iris’ future coming true. Barry runs to the future in Season 3 Episode 19, and finds a future version of himself, broken and despondent after losing the love of his life, Iris. Later. Barry discovers that Savitar is an evil time remnant version of himself. In an attempt to outsmart him. Barry and the Team attempt to adjust Barry’s ability to retain memories but end up giving him amnesia. Amnesia!Barry is scared when he wakes up in Star Labs, until he discovers that he and Iris are engaged. He then trusts the team and wants to work with them. Amnesia!Barry and Iris share romantic moments, it’s almost as though they are falling in love again, Amnesia!Barry and Iris kiss which activates Barry’s powers. There is a fire caused by a meta attack which requires Barry’s help, in order for that to happen he needs to remember he is The Flash. Iris speaks to Barry through the comms, recounting the night they fell in love. This restores Barry’s memory. In the penultimate episode of Season 3, Iris records herself saying wedding vows to Barry. She gives her engagement ring to Joe, to give back to Barry when the time is right, believing she will die. This then explains why she wasn’t wearing it when Wally travelled to the future. Barry’s plan to save Iris by breaking into A.R.G.U.S with Captain Cold works. However, due to H.R’s slip of the tongue, Savitar is able to find out Iris’ location. Iris surrenders herself to Savitar. H.R feeling guilty attempts to set her free, switching his identity for hers with a device from his Earth. The events play out as they did in the prophecy. As Savitar stabs “Iris” the montage of Iris saying her vows to Barry plays in the background. In Season 3 Episode 23, Barry cradles “Iris’” dead body, sobbing, only for it to be revealed that is actually HR. Iris runs to Barry, they hold one another sobbing. Once they return to Star Labs, they release the future has been restored as the byline reads: Iris West-Allen once more. Barry tries to reason with Savitar and brings him back to the team. The team are disgusted by his presence. Savitar is afraid to face Iris as she approaches. She softly places her hand on his broken face, he melts at her touch. It is clear that Savitar is in love with Iris, as he tells her and Barry, “love and hate,….”. When Savitar realizes a life with the Team will mean a life without Iris. He continues to inact his plans to be the God of Speed. He is ulimtately stopped by Iris, who shoots him in the back as he is about to kill Barry and some of the Team. “All these months you were trying to save me from him, look at that I saved you.” They mourn HR with the Team but are also relieved that their lives are back to normal. Sitting on the couch back at their apartment, Barry gives Iris her ring back and he asks if she’s ready to be Iris West-Allen. She responds she always has been and she’s always been his. As they are about to kiss, the earth begins to shake – the Speedforce is unstable and requires Barry to go in as penance. Barry and Iris share a tearful goodbye. He tells her to keep running for him and he disappears into the Speedforce.

Season 4
Iris who has followed Barry’s wish for her to keep running becomes the leader of Team Flash. Afraid that Barry is dead, she shrugs of Cisco’s suggestion to try and bring him back. The team work to bring back Barry, Upon his return, his brain has been affected by his 6 months in the Speedforce. Iris finally opens up over how devastated she has been since his departure. Iris’ puta her faith in their love and offers herself to the Samaroid. Once Barry hears that Iris is in danger, he breaks free of his mind prison and goes to rescue her. They are reunited. Barry and Iris dealing with the growing pains of having been separated for 6 months. Iris understands why he had to leave but is hurt that he made the decision alone. She expresses how Barry failed to acknowledge the impact it would have on her. He explains that, if he would have discussed his decision with her, and she had asked him to stay he would not have been strong enough to go. They come to an understanding they that they are partners dubbing themselves, “The Flash.” Barry and Iris happily prepare for their wedding. The day of the wedding takes place on the crossover event of Arrowverse, and includes majority of DCTV characters. Barry and Iris’ wedding is interrupted by Nazis, and their second attempt is interrupted by two characters from Arrow who get married alongside them. Barry and Iris exchange beautiful vows and are married along the same park at which they had their first kiss. Devoe frames Barry for his “murder” and he is arrested. During The Trial of The Flash, Iris is desperate for Barry to be proven innocent. As the trial draws to a close it is clear Barry will be convicted. Iris stands before the court ready to reveal he is the Flash in a last ditch effort to save him. Barry races over to her, discovering a new power, Flashtime, the world around them is completely still as they move in flash time. Barry consoles Iris. In despair she promises she would run with him anywhere. He explains the reasons why his identity must be kept a secret. They kiss and return to normal time. Iris tells the judge Barry is innocent and takes her seat. Barry is convicted and held in Iron Heights. In prison he is desperate to see Iris. Slowly, he learns that he came help people within the prison as he did outside. Barry speaks fondly of Iris during his time in prison. Iris continues to lead the team. Eventually Barry is acquitted and returns home. In Season 4 Episode 15, Barry and other speedsters are in a race against the clock to stop a bomb going off in Central City. Barry uses Flashtime. Each member of the Team gets tired in Flashtime except for Iris. In his moment with Iris, he says for the first time in the series, “You’re my lightning rod, Iris.” which has been shown throughout the show but never directly said. As they share a final moment believing they are going to die, Iris comes up with a plan. Barry kisses her and races to say the day. Once everyone is saved, they settle in Star Labs, content in each other’s arms. Throughout Season 4, a mysterious girl keeps appearing. She meets Barry at the wedding, and other team members throughout the season. The mystery girl is revealed to be Barry and Iris’ daughter in the season finale.

Season 5
In Season 5 episode 1, Iris is excited to get to know their daughter. Barry is more reserved fearing it will mess with the timeline and wanting to experience their lives in the correct order for once. Nora reveals that Barry disappears in 2024 and never returns. Barry keeps this secret from Iris not wanting to ruin her happiness over the idea of their happy ending. Barry later reveals the truth to Iris and the Team. She takes it in stride but is secretly crushed as Nora pays faovirtes, only wishing to spend time with Barry and giving the cold shoulder to her Iris. Iris expresses that her relationship with Nora takes two steps forward and then ten back. Nora finally reveals that her mother dampened her powers and never revealed to her she was a Speedster. Iris is heartbroken not understanding the choices of her future self. Barry is adamant that he has faith in her and her future decisions. Iris too, begins to believe in herself, and tells Nora she doesn’t know why her future self would strip Nora of her powers, but believes it was the right decision. Nora is angry and attempts to once again be disrespectful towards Iris. Barry steps in and sides with Nora. Nora runs off in a huff. Barry and Iris embrace, as she cries. In Season 5 episode 5, is what fans have dubbed the “Westallen Movie”. Barry is set on cheering up Iris and suggests they turn an investigation into a date. They attend a gala and investigate a new meta called Ragdoll. They dance, however, it is clear Iris is still heartbroken over Nora. Barry does his best to reassure her. Nora is spending her time at The West house and attempts to slander Iris to Cecile. Cecile is having none of it and demands Nora respect her mother, especially her in own house. Cecile begins to tell all these stories to Nora about Barry’s childhood only to reveal in the end all her stories are about Iris. Nora slowly starts to see sense. Meanwhile Barry is kidnapped by Rag Doll, Iris jumps off a rooftop to save Barry, with zero regard for her own safety. As she freefalls she uncuffs Barry from his restrains and he brings them to safety. Nora having witnessed the whole ordeal, is armoured by Iris. Barry kisses Iris. Back at Star Labs, Iris explains that because of her faith in Barry she was able to jump off the rooftop. Iris and Nora share a one-on-one moment as Barry watches. During the 100th episode of The Flash, a short tender moment of Iris comforting Barry after he loses his speed is witnessed by Nora. Her admiration for her parent’s relationship continues to grow.

Elseworlds
Barry and Oliver end up switching lives. Initially Barry is amused by the situation, until he finds out Oliver woke up with Iris, instantly becoming jealous and deciding that they need to get everything back to normal as soon as possible. Team Flash doesn't believe them at first, thinking their delusional, which troubles Iris given how dark Oliver is and how it hurts that "Barry" believes he's Oliver.

Barry is eventually able to convince Iris that he's actually Barry when he tells her she’s his lightning rod and recounts her faith in him the night his mother died. She gives Barry and Oliver an interdimensional extrapolator so they can get to Earth-38. He promises her that he and Oliver will fix what's happened before leaving.

When they get back and defeat AMAZO, Barry and Iris talk in the lounge. She believes in him, but doesn't want being the Green Arrow to effect who Barry actually is. He promises not to let that happen.

Elseworlds

 * Barry become jelous when Iris tells Oliver!Barry that she only has eyes for him

Fanon
Westallen is the primary canon ship for Barry and for the show, and it is also very popular among the fanbase. The fandom has grown as the show continues, helped by the fact that both Candice Patton and Grant Gustin have been vocal about the ship's importance.

Since Barry and Iris are the head of the Flash Family in the comics, there are often headcanons involving who will play their children (Don and Dawn) and grandchildren (Bart and Jenni), as well as what adventures they will get up to in future seasons of the show.

Children
Nora West-Allen is a meta-human speedster time traveler, as well as the daughter of Barry Allen and Iris West from the future.

Fandom
FAN FICTION

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