A few hours later Caitlin stretched and woke to find two identical pairs of crystal blue eyes looking at her.

"Sleep well?"

"I did Harry, did you?"

"Never better." He leaned across the bed to give her a kiss. "It's a few minutes before six o'clock."

"Why don't I get her changed and meet you in the kitchen? I'm sure the rest of the team is wondering where we are," Caitlin offered.

"Okay, I'll meet you there," Harry put his glasses back on before he left his girls on the bed. Well, two of his girls. And there was that tug on his heart again.

Caitlin grabbed a fresh diaper and wipes from the diaper bag and got to work. She washed her hands when she was done, picked up the baby and walked out to find everyone in the kitchen.

"Did you have a nice nap?" Ralph asked as she walked in.

Caitlin's words jumbled, "Uh…"

"I told them, Snow. Don't worry," Harry comforted as he put an arm around her waist.

"Don't be embarrassed or anything Caitlin, it's normal to be tired with a little baby around," Joe said as he looked at Cecile who had joined them for dinner. She gave him a smug look in return before she got up and walked to Caitlin.

"Oh, she is precious! Joe explained everything to me, and oh, she is just the perfect combination of you and Harry. Those eyes of hers are unmistakable. But I don't find it fair that you get to enjoy her without all of this," Cecile laughed as she pointed to her own extended belly.

Caitlin laughed too as she adjusted the baby, so she could hold her with one arm. "Well, I will be going through that in the future."

Harry took Caitlin's hand in solidarity.

Cisco caught it first. "Wait, are you like an 'official couple' now?"

They raised their entwined hands up. No one had ever seen either of them so happy. "Yup," Caitlin's voice rang cheerily, "like an 'official couple' now."

Barry whistled. "Wow, and all it took was meeting your future child to realize your feelings."

"Shut up, Allen."

Iris wrapped an arm lovingly around Barry's. "Bar, don't tease them. Hey guys, it's getting late. We need to eat and be ready by eight."

Joe clapped his hands. "You're right, Iris. Everyone take a seat and help yourselves to some of Grandma Esther's roast chicken and vegetables. Plus, a little chocolate cake for dessert," he laughed.

Barry was given the honor of carving while Joe dished out vegetables to everyone. Once everyone had platefuls, Barry spoke, "we're going to stay in the Cortex and watch while you two set her by the elevator. That way you two can have some time alone with her, but we'll still be right there suited up and ready to go if needed."

"You got it, Barry," Cisco agreed as he tried to feed the baby a piece of chicken as he held her.

Harry gave Cisco a glare causing him to slowly put his hand down in defeat.

/

Ralph sliced the cake at seven o'clock. With only an hour to go nerves were high. "I think everything will be fine," he said sincerely as he placed a piece of cake on a dessert plate. "I do. I think our future friend is going to take the baby right to future Harry and Cait, and all will be right as rain." He looked at Caitlin and Harry, "any names yet?"

"Actually," Caitlin began, "I have a few names floating around in my head, but no."

Harry nodded. "We told you Ralph, we're going to let future us decide. It's for the best."

"Your minds are all so at ease," Cecile spoke. "I can hear your sadness too, but that ease… it's such a welcome change from the normal."

Team Flash talked and ate their cake and passed the baby all around the table. Everybody took turns holding her, and she gave smiles back to everyone in return. Cecile fed the baby a bottle, she said she wanted to make sure she hadn't lost her touch since it's been so long.

The hour passed by quickly, and at ten minutes till eight o'clock, they pushed back their chairs and solemnly went their separate ways.

Harry and Caitlin made sure the baby was comfortable and dry, and then they safely placed her back in her carrier. She began to cry as Harry snapped the buckle over her. Harry whispered, "we know, darling. Shh. Don't cry, it'll be okay. It's okay."

They set her and the diaper bag in the same spots they found them in. Tears welled in Caitlin's eyes and Harry took off his glasses to wipe his own.

Harry checked his watch, they had four minutes to spare. They both sat down in front of the now quiet baby, Harry's voice had lulled her to sleep, and they talked to her. The last time they would for a while.

"I know it's not goodbye," Caitlin started, "but this is so hard. Sweetie, I know you can't understand me. You won't remember any of this, but we will. Your dad and I will."

"We love you," Harry's voice cracked with emotion. "We love you and we want to thank you. You gave us the realization we needed, that your mom and I need each other. But from the time you're from, you already knew that, huh?" He chuckled through his tears.

At one-minute till they placed kisses on each of their daughter's cheeks. Harry held one of her little hands as Caitlin ran her fingers through their little girl's hair one last time, and then they stood up and backed away into the hallway. They were out of sight, but able to keep a watchful eye.

The second Harry's watch turned to eight, the distinct sound of a speedster was heard, and a combination of yellow and purple lightning lit up all around the room. Harry and Caitlin walked out from their hiding spot to see a single envelope on the floor in the space their daughter had just been.

Harry picked it up and read aloud, "you two were right, you needed something to pull you together, to realize that you were destined. This isn't goodbye for you three, it's just see you later, promise. – A Friend.

"PS. I'm from the future too, but further than your daughter. You'll actually get to meet me too, someday... my meeting went well."

Harry and Caitlin stared at the words inquisitively before Harry put the note back in the envelope and pulled Caitlin into a tight hug. He rested his chin on the top of her head. "It's just 'see you later', not goodbye."

"Just 'see you later'," Caitlin echoed. They repeated it over and over like a mantra.

/

They stayed like that for a few more minutes before they felt strong enough to let go. Caitlin stepped onto her tip toes to give Harry a kiss. They held hands as they walked back to the Cortex in silence.

Upon arrival they noticed Iris, Cecile, and Ralph all had tearstained cheeks. Cisco's eyes were puffy as he rubbed them, and Barry and Joe gave them sad looks.

Harry and Caitlin gave them all watery smiles in return. "It's okay, guys. We're okay," Harry comforted.

Caitlin looked up at Harry, "yeah, it's just 'see you later'."


Don't hurt me! There's still an epilogue to come! :)