Good Lord, you guys are impatient!
But, because I love you (and I'm procrastinating studying for finals), here's chapter 2!
~J.H.
The tension in the air is nearly tangible—Caitlin can feel it pushing them apart, so strong it was almost like a physical barrier. This was not how things were supposed to go at all. It's been three days, and she and Barry have barely said two words to each other.
The odd stiffness between them is completely unnoticed by Cisco, who (God love him) is momentarily too absorbed with his gadgets to notice something is wrong, and is therefore blissfully unaware that his two best friends were now not speaking to each other (or that they had sex in the first place).
Doctor Wells, however, definitely knows something is up. She sees the confused, calculating glances he gives them. Although Caitlin's pretty sure he hasn't quite figured it out yet, she knows he will sooner or later.
Hopefully it will be later—she can't deal with Wells' disapproval right now, she already feels guilty enough. Iris had invited her to lunch today, and, although she knows there's nothing going on between Barry and Iris, she can't help but feel guilty for sleeping with him, especially now that she and Iris are spending more time together.
"I'm going to lunch," she announces to no one in particular, more to clear the silence in the room than anything else.
Barry says nothing; his back is to her.
"Hurry back," is all Wells says.
Cisco looks up from Barry's suit, which he's been modifying, "Can you bring me back some—"
"No," Caitlin says, picking up her purse and jacket.
"Hey!" Iris says cheerily when Caitlin walks into the café, "I'm almost finished—just let me wipe down this table." She grabs a sponge and begins to wipe the table, humming to herself. Caitlin can't help but smile—Iris had that effect on people.
"So what have you been up to lately?" Isis asks, throwing the sponge in the sink behind her and wiping her hands on her jeans.
"Oh, you know…." Sleeping with your best friend. "Just the same old stuff," she winces at how lame that sounds.
Her stiff tone doesn't go past Iris. As they walk toward the door, Iris just says, simply, "You know, Caitlin, you can tell me anything."
Surprised, Caitlin doesn't know how to respond. It's strange to be having time with another girl. Felicity is the only other woman who's ever been to S.T.A.R. labs (besides Plastique), and Caitlin feels like she hasn't done anything…"girls' night out" in a long while.
Still, she knows she can't confide in Iris. What would she think of her?
"Hey." Caitlin's so lost in her thoughts that she doesn't notice that Barry is right in front of her.
"Oh—hey!" Iris hugs him, which makes Caitlin's heart feel like it's being twisted in knots. "What are you doing here?"
His eyes don't leave Caitlin's face as he says, "You left this." And hands her her cell phone.
"Thanks," she says, trying desperately to look anywhere but Barry or Iris, who still has her hands resting on Barry's shoulders.
Iris looks around, "How'd you get here? Where's your car?" she asks Barry.
"Oh, uh…I wal—"
"He took the bus," Caitlin intercedes, throwing Barry a dirty look.
"Yeah," Barry lies stiffly, "The bus"
"Well, do you want to join us for lunch?" Iris says, looking between the two of them. She removes her hands from Barry's shoulders, obviously seeing that something is up.
Barry looks at Caitlin for permission. You're a grown man, Barry, you don't need my permission to go out to lunch! She just raises her eyebrows at him. Make your own decision, Barry.
"I…er…would love to, but I have…a case. I gotta go," he turns and walks in the direction of S.T.A.R. labs.
"Barry!" Iris calls after him, laughing, "The bus stop is that way." She points in the opposite direction.
"Right," he turns and walks in the direction she was pointing
As soon as he's out of earshot, Iris turns back toward Caitlin, "Ohmygod, Caitlin! Why didn't you tell me!"
"Tell you?! T-tell you what?"
Iris links arms with her and they begin walking down the street again, "That you and Barry are dating!"
Caitlin flushes. How had Iris come to that conclusion?
"Oh, come on!" Iris laughs, "It's obvious! I mean you don't travel five blocks just to give someone their cell phone. Plus he would not stop looking at you the whole time. Oh, my God! He's in love, isn't he!"
Yes, he is. The problem is he isn't in love with me.
"Sorry, I don't mean to pry," Iris says, "I just…I think it's so great for you two!"
"You do?" Caitlin's heart speeds up, as she suddenly pictures herself and Barry in an actual relationship, his feelings for Iris forgotten…
"I mean, you guys are perfect for each other! Trust me, I can spot a good relationship from a mile away, and Barry definitely got lucky with you!" Iris gives her a real, genuine smile.
Caitlin smiles back. She can't help it—the fact that Iris approves their relationship makes her believe an actual relationship it possible.
"Now, come on," Iris says, smiling and hooking her arm through Caitlin's, "I'm starving."
They make their way down the street, arm in arm, and all Caitlin can think is how glad she is to have another girl friend at her side.
Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukah/Season's Greetings!
Just have a good holiday and take care of yourself, guys!
~J.H.