Author's Note: This is an AU prompt given to me by Vanilleisbae! In this AU, Caitlin works at Jitters as a waitress and Barry really wants to get to know her. Adaline Keff, I will try working on a spy AU cause I think that's an awesome idea lol. roxtonissexy, I really like the thought of Barry being allergic to some food and nobody knew ahah! I'll work on that as well. Thanks for the suggestions, guys!

It was a beautiful sunny day in Central City. The birds were chirping on the street signs, the citizens chattered amongst themselves or greeted each other on the streets. Everything felt good for once and Barry had a bounce in his step. A grin was plastered on his face as people nearby talked about the good deeds the Flash was known for recently. Unbeknownst to them, he was walking down the street right next to the strangers, on his way to Jitters for his breakfast and coffee. He liked having coffee, even if it didn't exactly affect him the same way it did a non-meta-human. Waltzing inside the café, he propped the door open for people heading out the establishment and gave them a small, "You're welcome," as they thanked him.

Heading over to his usual table, he took a seat and turned to watch the television. It wasn't until he heard a chuckle across the room that he turned his attention to the two women in question. One had bronze-like skin and dark chocolate locks. She glowed as she talked to the other woman, Barry was certain they were friends. The other had fair porcelain skin, light caramel colored hair. As they laughed together, Barry's gaze lingered upon the woman with lighter hair.

Jitters had become his favorite joint to visit in the morning before heading to the Central City Police Department. As he stared at the woman, he felt a tingling sensation shake through his bones. If he were honest, he had developed a crush on her without even knowing her. She had taken his order a few times and every time her smile radiated, infectious to the superhero. He became a bumbling mess, stuttering or stammering in her presence; flushing a peach color. Hope settled in his gut, wondering if she'd be the one walking to his table today.

The chocolate locked woman parted from her friend and much to Barry's disappointment, she walked over to his table. "Can I get you anything?" She asked.

"Um, yeah. A cup of espresso and a blueberry muffin." He told her, giving her a warm look. As the woman jotted down his order and left, Barry looked over to see the fair skinned woman taking another person's order. He placed his hand against his head, his elbow leaning on the table to support his head. She must have felt his gaze because her eyes darted over and looked right at him. Barry instantly looked away, silently scolding himself for staring.

After she took the elderly woman's order, the caramel haired beauty began walking over to his table. Oh, god. Why's she coming over here? I already got my order. Did she notice me staring? He wondered, his head a buzzing mess.

"Have you been served already?" She stood right before him.

"Yeah. Yeah! I think, Iris is her name? She took my order." Barry confirmed.

"Alright. Have a good day, sir." The woman said, grinning widely at Barry.

"You too," He responded, grinning a goofy lopsided grin. Damn it, he scolded himself once more.

Barry had been visiting Jitters for the last two months, constantly aware of the brunette, even reading her name tag once or twice. Caitlin. He sighed as he looked down at the table, wondering why he never had the courage to strike up a simple conversation with her despite her serving him on more than one occasion. The superhero was a frequent, visiting the café at least twice a week. He'd learned her schedule, memorized it like the back of his hand. Only, he never had the nerve to tell her his name or say anything except for the standard small talk.

Once Iris brought him his order, he promptly thanked her and grabbed his muffin and chugged down his espresso. Without another moment, Barry left the café, muttering to himself in annoyance as he became another face in the crowd and began his usual walk to work. He promised himself he'd strike up a conversation with her next time, shaking his head as he bit down into the delicious muffin. Mmm, he really did love those muffins.

It was another Thursday and another trip to Jitters for the brunette. Taking his usual seat in the establishment, he twiddled his thumbs as he anxiously awaited his server. Iris seemed preoccupied restocking the cookies and muffins so a glimmer of hope shot through his veins and showed upon his eyes. He noticed Caitlin return from the back of the kitchen before she got to work on making a couple some lattes. She handed them their order with a vibrant smile upon her face, waving a goodbye before she withdrew her small pad of notebook paper.

When she began walking over to Barry's table, he started thinking of ways to engage in conversation with her. After initiating small talk, he wanted to ask her about the weather, ask her how her day was going, typical simple questions someone would ask a complete stranger. Once she stood before him, he peered up at her with gleeful emerald eyes.

"Good morning." Caitlin greeted him.

"Morning," Barry said.

"What will we be having today?"

"An espresso and a bl—"

"Blueberry muffin?" Caitlin finished. She smiled down at Barry from where he sat upon the stool. "You're sort of a regular here."

She had noticed? Barry almost flushed, his face ghosting slightly. "Yeah. I can't really get through my day without that espresso." He lied but flashed her a grin. "And those blueberry muffins are my favorite."

"I noticed." Caitlin responded. "It'll be righ—"

"So how's your day going?" Barry interrupted her, wondering if he should have waited before speaking.

It caught Caitlin off guard. "Uh, well, it's a day. Lots of people coming in for their morning coffee but it's to be expected. It comes with the job title." She explained. "And yours?"

"It's fine. I'm just heading off to work after this."

"I see." Caitlin paused. "Well, have a good day then!"

As she walked off, Barry glanced down at the table in disappointment. He had wanted to strike up a conversation with her but failed miserably. He didn't even officially get her name. Once Caitlin gave him his order, he simply downed the espresso and left Jitters with his blueberry muffin once more. Taking a large bite into it, he chewed over more thoughts of how he would get her attention next time.

Today was a day where Barry hadn't wanted to wake up; he didn't feel like going to work. He had dragged himself out of bed, his face showing dark circles under his eyes. He had been up most of the night chasing down another speedster, someone he couldn't outrun or catch up to. Yawning, he pulled his shirt over his head and proceeded to pull on a plaid shirt over his gray shirt. He let it hang open before pulling on his jeans and buttoning them. After putting on his Converse, Barry headed out the door of his apartment. Before he could begin his walk to Jitters, he heard someone screaming for help.

In an instant, Barry took off at the speed of light, changing into his suit and charging right toward the location of the screaming. A burning building came into view, a tall structure with a vast amount of smoke filling up the sky entered his sage hues. Without another moment to spare, Barry raced into the building, pulling out one person after another. Quick on his feet, he had managed to save seven people and help one person who was stuck in an elevator before the fire department had even had a chance to enter the building that had been set ablaze.

After rescuing all the people who were caught in the fire, Barry zoomed back into the building, frantically rotating his arms to suck the oxygen right out of the room. Once the flames had settled somewhat and the firemen could enter the building to put out the rest of the fire, he zipped out of the structure and in a flash, he was back in his street attire. He yawned once again, the bags under his eyes seeming to hang even lower than before.

Coming upon Jitters, he walked into the joint and propped himself down at his usual table. Placing his arms down upon it, he had crossed them and laid his head down upon them. He didn't notice Caitlin walking up to him today. No, he was exhausted. His eyes were snapped shut and the soothing sounds of the music in the establishment were causing him to almost fall asleep. It wasn't until he heard her voice that he quickly popped his head up.

"Excuse me?"

"Huh? Oh—oh! Hi!' Barry promptly said to her, trying to hide how tired he really was.

"Long night?" Caitlin seemed interested.

"Y—yeah. Very long."

"What can I get for you today? The usual?"

"Make it a double shot espresso." Barry expressed, his voice growing groggy.

Before Caitlin walked away, she noticed the television and the news report of the Flash saving the citizens from the burning building. She shook her head, sighing gently in awe almost. "He's really something, isn't he?" She wondered aloud, glancing back to Barry.

"The Flash?"

"Yeah, Central City's own superhero." She almost beamed, excited to see the newscaster giving a glowing report.

Barry smiled almost shy in response. "You think he's a superhero?"

"Don't you?"

"I think he's alright." Barry simply said.

"I heard he once stopped a robbery in progress and managed to handcuff the five men for arrest in the blink of an eye." Caitlin explained, obviously interested in the Flash.

"Is that right?" Barry asked, his eyes lighting up somewhat.

"And once, he even somehow managed to stop a destructive tornado from invading the city. At least, that's a rumor around here." She bit her lip, peering back at Barry delighted.

"I've heard his suit has special powers, too." Barry began. "Special technology that helps him against a heat wave or can melt ice."

"How is that possible?" Caitlin questioned, her brows knitting together.

Barry shrugged. "It's just what I've heard." He was actually having a conversation with the woman he'd been constantly going to Jitters to see.

Caitlin raised an index finger, signaling that she'd be right back. She went to grab Barry's double espresso and blueberry muffin. After returning, she took a seat in the vacant stool across from Barry. "It's said that he can possibly run over the speed of mach 2." She shook her head in disbelief.

"Yeah?" He wondered how she'd obtained such information.

"It's another rumor, anyway." She pressed her lips into a thin line.

"So, who do you think the Flash really is?" Barry asked, bringing the small cup of espresso to his lips. He took a gradual sip, wanting to savor the conversation he was sharing with Caitlin.

"I don't know. He could be anybody." She stated. "A banker, an officer, a college student, a technician, a doctor, a dentist? The possibilities are really endless. Whoever he is, I'd like to meet him just once to tell him thank you."

Barry smiled to himself, peering down briefly. "I bet he'd appreciate that."

"What's your name, by the way? I see you so often, we should at least be on terms where we know each other's names."

Barry looked at her almost surprised, his eyebrows darting up. "B—Barry."

"I'm Caitlin. Though, you probably already knew that." She pointed to her name tag. "It's nice to finally put a name to a face, Barry." She rose from her seated position. "I guess I'll see you around?"

"Definitely." Barry agreed, watching as she left the table and went to take another male's order. Had that really just happened? Did they really just get to know each other on a first name basis? Had he really struck up a conversation with the woman he'd wanted so desperately to get to know? Internally, Barry screamed with joy. Taking the last swig of his espresso, he grabbed his muffin and turned to exit the café.

"See you, Barry!" Caitlin called out.

Barry gave her a gleeful wave of his hand. Chewing a piece of his muffin, a broad smile remained on his lips after he'd exited and resumed his morning routine of walking to work. A bounce was definitely in his step this time and he knew despite his grogginess that he would have a great day. He was also grateful to know that Caitlin enjoyed his presence as the Flash, that she appreciated all the work he did around the city. It made him feel good, like he was untouchable despite his struggles and hidden identity.

Ever since they had been on a first name basis, Caitlin had taken Barry's table and order more frequently. She shared her ideas and thoughts about the Flash and Barry engaged with her constantly, interested in how she felt about the work he was doing around the vast city. She always seemed to beam with delight whenever she spoke so fondly of the superhero, something that Barry relished in as it gave him more incentive to be the guy Caitlin seemed to enjoy. Still, he had also learned simple things about her since they talked more; her favorite movie, her favorite flower, her favorite color or vacationing spot. Everything Barry took in and then some; like the way she'd glance at him while taking someone else's order.

Barry kept his eyes locked on hers as she spoke, savoring the look of her deep caramel hues. When she spoke, he noticed how they slightly dilated, how they gleamed or glimmered. "Thank you for today. I really needed the talk." Barry was grateful after another long night.

"You're welcome." Caitlin still had a grin upon her face. "I should probably get back to work."

"Of course."

"Oh, and by the way, my shift is changing on Friday." She figured she'd inform him of this, knowing she'd miss his morning routine.

"Oh?"

"I'll be working nights until closing. You know, in case you ever want to stop by after work and get something. I don't know, not coffee, of course." She laughed, almost sheepishly.

"I'll keep that in mind." Barry promised. With that, he took his leave from the café, almost saddened that he wouldn't get to start the day with Caitlin in his mind anymore. Maybe he'd have to look forward to coming by the café at night time instead.

Friday rolled around and when Barry went to grab the usual from Jitters, his heart dropped a little bit at the absence of Caitlin. Still, he needed his morning breakfast and gracefully bit into his muffin while watching the television.

"You here to see Caitlin?" Iris asked, peering down at him.

"She told me she wasn't in until later."

"She'll be here around four until we close." Iris made sure he knew, knowing the pair were sometimes spotted chatting together.

"Thanks, Iris." Barry grinned upwards before taking another bite of his food.

"No problem." The dark haired woman walked off to make more lattes.

Barry let out a long sigh before polishing off his breakfast. Tossing the wrapper into the garbage, he took his leave from the café. He'd definitely have to stop by later, at least to say a quick hello. He made a mental note of her new shift, promising himself that he would find a moment before heading home to bask in the kindness of Caitlin. Jitters was essentially becoming his favorite place. The closer he seemed to get to Caitlin, the higher the joint was becoming on his list of favorites.

Walking towards Jitters, Barry's hands were shoved into his pockets, a smirk plastered across his face as he wondered what he'd talk about with Caitlin tonight. Before he could think of what kind of conversation to strike up with her, he heard a gunshot burst through the silent night. The direction it came from worried him and he swallowed a thick lump that had lodged into his throat. Coming upon the café, he took a glance inside, his eyes widening at the scene. A masked man was holding up the joint, customers hiding behind the tables, a gun aimed right at Caitlin. She was scrambling to put money into a bag.

Barry frowned and before his heart could pulse another beat, he had instantly changed into his suit. Zooming into the location, the Flash became a blur, grasping the gun right out of the man's hand as he shot off a bullet in Caitlin's direction. He grabbed hold of the man, punching him and knocking him out cold. In another millisecond, he had time to react and grab Caitlin by the waist. Zipping off, he brought her to the rooftop of the café and placed her down gently on her feet.

Panic was laced upon her features, her eyes wide as she patted down her body, assuming she had been shot. "Wh—What happened?" She worried, her eyes rising to meet the Flash. He was there in the flesh and she blinked, stunned that he had just saved her life.

"You were almost shot," Barry explained, blurring his face behind his mask.

Caitlin was almost star struck. "It's really you, isn't it?"

The Flash nodded. "It is."

"Wow. I—I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything."

"Thank you. Not just for saving my life but for everything you do on a daily basis." Caitlin started. "You're a hero, Flash; a savior to Central City. Some people might not think so, they might think you're a vigilante, but I'm not one of them." She finished.

"Thank you, for believing in me." The Flash responded, a smile gracing his face though she couldn't see it. Barry flushed beneath his suit.

"Always." Caitlin promised. Without another word between them, Barry ran off into the dark of the night, taking the masked criminal right to the CCPD.

Barry anxiously awaited his next encounter with Caitlin. After placing the man at the CCPD, he had zoomed across the city, halting right before reaching Jitters (after changing, of course). As he came upon the scene, squad cars surrounded the building, detectives surveyed the area, talking among themselves. He noticed Caitlin speaking to one of the officers. Once she finished, he crossed the yellow tape and went over to the brunette. "What happened here?" He asked, pretending to be clueless.

"Someone tried to rob us. It's okay though. The Flash showed up just in time." The woman shrugged her shoulders simply. "And he saved my life." She almost beamed.

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah." She nodded her head with a laugh.