Westallen

"When we were kids, I loved you before I even knew what the word "love" meant"

- Barry to Iris

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

Best friends
Barry Allen and Iris West have been best friends since they were children, Barry harboring romantic feelings for as long as he can remember. Although he keeps this hidden for most of his life. 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. Years later, Barry is hit by lightning as a result of the particle accelerator and ends up in a coma. Once Barry wakes up, he discovers from Wells that Iris visited him quite often. At the mention of her name, Barry takes off to go find Iris. As she works at Jitter, Barry shows up startling her. She runs over to him and they happily embrace. Only once Barry places her hand on his heart, his powers are activated and he realizes he is a metahuman, a Speedster. Feeling lost and lonely during Barry's coma, Iris begins to date Detective Eddie Thawne (which she later notes she never would have done if not for 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. The connection between the two best friends in evident. Upon catching wind of a mysterious being who speeds around Central City saving people and stopping criminals. Once she sees him with her own eyes, she is breath-taken, Barry noting this smiles before speeding off. Joe insists that Barry divert Iris' attention from "The Streak". He meets Iris on the roof in his suit, where he discovers the reason Iris has begun documenting his exploits on her blog. To prove that Barry was right about the night his mother died. Barry is deeply moved and if anything more deeply in love with her. He tells Joe and insists they let her in on the secret because he tells her everything. Joe disagrees, revealing that he knows Barry loves Iris. Barry is taken aback asking him how long he's known. Joe states, "I have watched you be in love with Iris, since you were old enough to know what love is."

Despite discouraging Iris from "The Streak", Barry can't help himself and starts visiting her in disguise, flirting with her in ways he can't when he's just himself. He has a confidence and freedom to tell her how he really feels. There is a lot of sexual tension between them, a connection, which they both feel. Eddie is jealous, much to the amusement of Barry. Iris gives him the name The Flash on her blog and ends up helping him. In Episode 6 he rescues her and Iris refers to him as her Guardian Angel, and they they continue to have flirty late night rendezvous. Unfortunately, Barry is infected by a rage-inspiring metahuman in episode 8 (Rainbow Raider) which leads to all the anger, hurt and jealousy he feels coming to the surface. He confronts Joe about helping put his father behind bars, the Team about being overbearing including Oliver Queen, and The Flash ends up attacking Iris boyfriend Eddie. He pulls him from a moving car saying, "You think you get to come along and have whatever you want, what gives you the right?" This is in reference to Iris, and the fact prior to Eddie it was just the two of them. We get to see how hurt and envious Barry is. After that incident, Iris cuts off contact with The Flash, which breaks Barry's heart.

Love Confession
Barry and Iris do their gift exchange tradition. Barry gets Iris a replica of her mother's wedding band as a necklace, Iris is moved and they embrace. Once Eddie arrives, Barry's mood changes and it is obvious. Later Eddie tells Iris he believes that Barry has feelings for her. She brushes it off, saying they are just best friends but makes the decision to later ask Barry. When she does at his Lab, he can barely make eye contact with her. He denies it and watches her leave. Deflated and feeling the weight of keeping his feelings to himself, Barry visits his father in prison to tells him, "You don't think I know how you love her, but you never pursued her because you were consumed with what happened to me and your mother, you let it go now Barry." Taking his father's advice, in a heartfelt moment back at the West house, Barry pulls Iris towards him and whispers that he loves her. He explains that he loved her before he even knew what the word love meant but after what happened to his mom he just kept it in, out of fear of losing her too. Iris is speechless and tears roll down her face. Barry leaves.

Hiding True Feelings
Despite being forever changed by Barry's declaration, 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 learns in Episode 20 that he and Iris are married in the future from a future newspaper article, with the byline written by Iris West-Allen. During this episode Iris learns that Barry is the Flash. 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. This continues to build the lightning rod theory connection between Iris and Barry which began in Season 1 Episode 1, when his powers first became active after he placed her hand on his heart. she touches his hand and it causes a spark, the same spark she felt when Barry was in a coma.

Without You There Wouldn't Be The Flash
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. When Barry is unable to defeat Grodd, neither Cisco or Caitlin can get through to him. Iris steps up and speaks to Barry through the comms. Iris ensures Barry she knows how strong he is and asks him to stand up to Grodd, to do it for her. In that moment, Barry remembers precious moments between him and Iris, closes him eyes and is able to break the psychic hold Grodd has on him. Just as the train is about to crush him, he open his eyes and says, "Iris." Moving out of the way and going on to defeat Grodd, the team has their first success without Eobard Thawne. Barry tells Iris, "Every time I falter or make a mistake, the thought of you is what picks me up and keeps me going. Without you there wouldn't be The Flash." At this time, Iris admits to Barry once more that she has feelings for him, but does not want to be disloyal to Eddie and feels obligate to not only find him but stay faithful to him.

Iris West-Allen
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. On the rooftop, Iris reveals she knows about the newspaper byline. Eddie informed her and told her he always knew she had feelings for Barry. He tries to shrug off the potential of a future where they are married as to not scare her off but also explains that being so close and living together made it difficult for him to be truthful about his feelings. Iris says the hyphenation must be a 2024. It's a nice Easter Egg at the potential of their future. Had his mother not died things could have been different. They hug as Iris tells Barry to do what will be make him happy. Barry bids farewell to the Team and Iris kisses him on the forehead. At the last second, though, Barry decides to simply say goodbye to his mother and not change the past. When he returns to the present his battle with Reverse Flash does not go his way until Eddie kills himself, which essentially kills Eobard as well because he is Eddie's descendant.

She's Not Iris
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. Barry is reluctant saying, "She's not Iris". However, after Patty keeps dropping hints he gives it a go. 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 the truth. Throughout their short stint relationship Barry wasn't very honest with Patty and wasn't truly invested much like his one with Linda. They seem to be fillers to distract him from his true love for Iris.

Earth-2
In Episode 13, 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. Jay had warned him not to get emotionally attached and Barry admits that's exactly what he did because it felt so real. When Harry is upset with Barry from being distracted from the actual mission of saving Jesse, he tries to remind Barry that Earth-2 Iris isn't Iris. Barry feels completely differently declaring, "She is Iris! She is to me!" He goes off to help Earth-2 Iris. 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. It seems to be a case of once bitten, twice shy. When Iris informs Barry that Scott Evans asked her out it is clear Barry has feelings about it. However, 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. After Barry's other trip where he meets Supergirl, the Team is waiting for Barry in the lab. When Iris begins to take off, Barry says they could use her help too. She tells him she has a date. Barry is visibly bothered but tries to play it cool. Iris walks away but is clearly going through the motions. Later she confesses to Caitlin, that now she is ready to move on she wonders whether it should be with Barry. Caitlin notes she has noticed the way Iris has been looking at Barry and that she believes in destiny for the two of them. Iris stares at Barry from a distance, it is clear she is finally ready to admit her feelings to herself and maybe Barry.

As far as Barry knows, Iris is planning on dating Scott, but she can't bring herself to go out with him, having decided that Barry is the man she wants to move on with. Barry shares with Iris she was the first person he saved and when doing so it felt like they were the only two people in the world. Iris finally tells him in Season 2 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 wants to be him whether he's The Flash or just Barry Allen. The moment Barry realizes she is confessing her feelings for him, his face lights up, he is overcome with emotion, surprise and joy. They begin to gravitate towards one another in an effort to be closer, so caught in the moment. Iris shyly excuses herself and Barry is left to ponder the discussion. He 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 where is confronted with the one thing he has not been able to overcome, his mother's death. The Speedforce takes the face of Iris and recalls the first time they kissed. Barry almost decides to stay with his "mother" in the Speedforce but realizes he must come home. Back at home, Iris and the Team after fighting against a Zombie version of Girder and also set on finding a way to bring Barry home. With Cisco's help, Iris reaches Barry. He hears her voice and reaches out his hand for her. Their hands meet and they hold one another as the Speedforce rotates and lightning strikes around them. It is another intense lightning rod moment, reminiscent of the comics. His trip to and from the Speedforce has Barry feeling pretty invincible, so he asks Iris out. The two share a sweet moment and Barry seems hopeful for the first time in a while. Zoom immediately proceeds snuff out that out, he kidnaps Henry and murders him before Barry's eyes, stripping Barry on his brave attempt at happiness.

Barry is distraught and Iris comforts him, they hold hand on the porch and Barry for the first time seems to find peace in that moment with her. However, Zoom shows up and Barry chases after him as Iris calls his name. Filled with so much rage, the Team are concerned for him and devise a plan to stop Zoom without him. When this fails, they realize that Zoom's request to race Barry needs to be fulfilled. Barry wins the race and they meet the real Jay Garrick, who shares the same face as his father Henry. Barry feels he is too broken to continue on this way. Iris goes to him and tells him to do whatever he must and that she'll wait for him. She tells him she loves him for the first time, he says it back and they kiss as the light surrounds them. Barry says he needs time but his love for Iris will never change. As Iris goes inside, Barry makes the decision to go back in time to save his mother. He believes this is where everything went wrong and he has to fix it.

Dating
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." He takes her to meet his parents as she says goodbye to them. Then to Reverse Flash, he greets her by calling her the future Mrs West-Allen. Iris' supports Barry in this timeline as she does in ever other. 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. Iris is always the first one to defend Barry and take his side when no one else will. 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.

Three Nights In A Row
Iris quickly catches onto his nightmares. As they lie in bed together, Barry brushes it off just happy to be with her. Having just moved in the only thing they unpacked is their bed. Barry teases, as she calls him Bartholomew - inquiring if he's in trouble. Happy and cheekily boastful that had sex three nights in room. Giving her Eskimo kisses, Barry tells Iris he just really loves her, before he heads off to stop a robbery with Wally. Barry surprises Iris by furnishing the apartment. Iris isn't impressed because she can tell something is bothering Barry and asks him once again what is going on. Barry takes Iris to the byline in Star Labs, breaking down as tells her about her possible death. Iris is terrified but Barry holds her, promising he won't let anything happen to her. He wipes her tears away and they embrace. 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 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 to the bedroom instead.

Will You Marry Me?
Through the episode Barry realizes he needs to live in the present. He fills the apartment with flowers and candles, scattering petals all over the floor. 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.

Runnin' Home To You
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 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 her and wants to work with the team. 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. Once back Barry and Iris discuss the difference in his personality when he didn't have his painful memories. He assures her that everything that has happened has made him the person he is. She responds by telling him that's the man she knows and loves. They kiss.

In the penultimate episode, 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 traveled 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.

Promise Me You'll Run Iris.
In 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 intact his plans to be the God of Speed. He is ultimately 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.

We are The Flash
Iris who has followed Barry’s wish for her to keep running becomes the leader of Team Flash. Afraid that Barry is dead, she refuses to believe Cisco’s suggestion that they should 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. She leans on him and asks him to show her he's still her Barry. The moment she does something sparks inside of Barry and his powers lead him to speed all over Star Labs. Unsure what to do the team lock Barry in the vault. After a conversation with Joe. Iris’ puts her faith in their love, telling him to come get her and she 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 tells her he'll always come home to her. A throwback to the song he sang to her when he proposed.

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.”

Newlyweds
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.

You're My Home
Barry is convicted and held in Iron Heights. In prison he is desperate to see Iris. He watches the clock in anticipation of her arrival. During their visit, it is clear how much they long to be together. It is the happiest we see Barry. Iris talks about how she wishes she could touch him. They both look to the cameras and the surrounding remembering where they are and their limitations. Upon another visit, observing the cameras have shifted from their focus, Barry reaches his hand through the glass and takes Iris. Slowly, he learns that he came help people within the prison as he did outside. While in prison, Barry tells another inmate that, "I spend half my life in love with a girl completely out of my league, now she's my wife. Life can be like the movies." Iris continues to lead the team during Barry's prison stint. Eventually Barry is acquitted and returns home. At his Welcome Home party at the West house Barry tells Iris she is his home and kisses her.

During a now infamous deleted scene, Iris attempts to make Barry breakfast. He is more focused on her. Kissing her neck and wrapping his arms around her. She tells him he's been clingy since he returned from prison and he states that he missed his wife. Barry continues to kiss Iris and suggest they forgo the food and take things to the bedroom. Later in the episode Barry is so desperate to stop Devoe that he endangers one of the bus metas. Iris talks him down, sitting on his lap and kissing him on the forehead. He sees the error in his ways.

Flashtime
Barry and Iris discuss how they don't have enough time as husband and wife. They embrace but are interrupted by Harry over the intercom proving their point. There is a bomb threat, 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 save the day. Once everyone is saved, they settle in Star Labs, content in each others arms. Barry strokes Iris' face and she plays with his hair. She lies in the Star Labs bed with him as he recuperates. Telling him it's all she needs. Iris becomes a Speedster, Barry is very concerned about Iris as she begins to perform the heroic duties that he usually does. When she gets trapped in a fire, Cisco breaches her out and Barry runs to embrace her. Later they discuss how Iris has been fearful since Savitar and buried herself in Star Labs work. Barry tells Iris how fearless she is and that he believes in her. Using the well known phrase and inserting her name, "Run, Iris, Run!" Iris is able to defeat the meta and Barry is impressed. They flirt about her training him.

In the battle against Devoe. Iris goes toe to toe with Marlize. Telling her, she once asked what she was willing to do for her husband, now she'll show her. They engage in hand to hand to hand combat. Iris pulls forward Marlize's sword, purposefully stabbing herself, to the surprise of Marlize, to get her out of Star Labs. Ralph "dies" causing Barry to feel deflated. He is inconsolable until he and Iris have some therapy sessions. Barry finally opens up as he takes Iris' hand in his - facing his grief. Iris is determined to arm the citizens of Central City with information to prepare for Devoe. Barry is not sure. As a married couple they weigh the pros and cons, ultimately Barry tells Iris he believes she should publish her article. Iris is tearful over his support and they kiss. Later in bed, Iris wakes Barry to inform him of all the support the city is showing in their attempt to stop Devoe. Proving once again what an effective duo Barry and Iris are together.

Throughout Season 4, a mysterious girl keeps appearing. She meets Barry at the wedding, and other team members throughout the season. She hides from Iris at the baby shower. The mystery girl is revealed to be Barry and Iris’ daughter in the season finale. She arrives right after Barry and Iris discuss having children.

Nora Shouldn't Be Here
In 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 favorites, 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 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 free falls she uncuffs Barry from his restrains and he brings them to safety. Nora having witnessed the whole ordeal, is armored 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 inter dimensional 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 on the rooftop. 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. During the crossover, Felicity is unable to tell the difference between Oliver and Barry. She is deflated when she finds out Iris could. Cisco notes that it's how you know Barry and Iris are soulmates. Earlier in the crossover Ralph noted how touch is Barry and Iris' love language.

Their daughter
Barry and Iris are heartbroken when Nora gets hurt by Cicada both being very protective of her. Iris stays with Nora as Barry decides to fight Cicada for hurting their daughter. Despite his anger, Nora is able to bring him back from the brink. During a family dinner, Barry tells Nora how much he and Iris love her. They all hug. Iris tells Barry what a fantastic husband and father he is. He looks at her lovingly and gets an idea of how to stop Cicada, by waking up Grace. The West-Allen family spend quality time together, playing scrabble and going ice-skating. Barry comments on how much of a mom Iris is. They are enjoying their family moments together. When Nora tries to stop her parents seeing her memories, namely those of Reverse Flash, she gets trapped inside Grace's mind. Barry and Iris go in after her, to rescue their daughter. However, they end up in Nora's memories. They see a ten year old Nora who has run away to go see the Flash Museum. Iris is concerned it's because she's a bad mother. Barry reassures her the future can change. When they see future!Iris discipline Nora. Iris reveals how fearful she is of the future and why she hasn't named her paper - Central City Citizen because she's afraid of their destiny. However, Barry and Iris come to the realization that they have witnessed a false memory. Barry tells Iris he knows whatever future has her in it is a good one. They go back to reclaim the real memory but (a defense mechanism Nora has put in place) Reverse Flash stops them. Barry and Reverse Flash fight one another, Iris saves Barry telling Eobard, he won't hurt her family. The true memory is revealed and it shows Iris being love towards Nora. Being the amazing mother Barry always knew she would be. Barry and Iris exit Nora's memories and go rescue her from Grace's. They all return to Star Labs safe.

Moments
Barry's jealousy Barry's love Iris' support Easter Eggs
 * Barry is constantly jealous of interactions Iris has with other guys - from Eddie, to Scott and Oliver. He thought his switch with Oliver was cool until he found out Oliver had been close to Iris.
 * Barry has never loved any other woman apart from Iris. In each relationship he has he is quickly to forget or drop his romantic partner if it means he has a chance with Iris.
 * Iris has an unwavering support and belief in Barry that nobody has on the show. She was the only person to believe his story about his mother's death and is always the first to speak on his behalf when others are against him
 * From their marriage, to their daughter. Much of Westallen's destined love has been dropped in Easter Eggs. From the byline, to "Never get married Allen [bumps into Iris], to "No greater feeling till the day she says, 'I do.'" and "Nora shouldn't be here."
 * The latest Easter Egg has been, "We're gonna need more diapers." Hinting at twins for Barry and Iris much like in the comics. This idea was re-enforced when playing scrabble the words spelt out on the board was "B-R-O-T-H-E-R."

Fanon
Westallen is the primary canon ship for Barry and for the show, and it is also extremely 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. Grant Gustin has dismissed other potential ships. In a recent Comic Con, he expressed he was always pushing the showrunners to go with Westallen because it's the true love story. Grant has proudly declared himself a big Westallen shipper during the ACE Con with Kevin Smith. Constantly, referring to Iris as the love of Barry's life as early as 2014 when the show began.

During Twitter interactions, Grant teased Candice about whether he's a good kisser. She responded in kind, telling him, he knows he's good. He said he needy and needs to know. Much to the amusement of Westallen fans on Twitter.

Grant and Candice have acknowledged how scary the likeness of Jessica Parker Kennedy (Nora West-Allen) is to them both. Stating many times, she could be their actual daughter.

Many other TV writers, directs and producers, including Zack Stenz and Kevin Smith express their support and adoration of the pairing.

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.

Fans speculated that the Mystery Girl was Westallen's daughter from the moment they saw her. They already dubbed her "Dawn Allen" the name of Barry and Iris' daughter in the comics. Fans also believe that Nora will or already has a twin brother. Just like in the comics. Much speculation has gone into the Easter Eggs the show has been dropping.

Children
Nora West-Allen

Nora 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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