A/N: Well here is another chapter of Blaze. This is one episode that I truly hope I do justice too. It's one of my favourite Snowbarry episodes: drunken Caitlin is a blast. On the note here we go.

GunBlade2018: Thanks I really appreciate that.

Jony Uzumaki: Muchas gracias por el apoyo. Realmente espero que te guste este capítulo.

DepressedNinja75: I agree with everything you wrote. I do have different plans for Eddie though but I won't kill him off. I have my reasons for keeping this from Naruto, trust me.

Chapter 12

"This is not going end well" said Kurama

'What are you talking about?' asked Naruto

"Well you are on your way to Tayuya's place for dinner as Blaze. And you are having lunch with her tomorrow as Naruto."

'Tayuya was the one who said she wanted burgers. Also I wanted someone to bounce ideas off of for my new book. How is this not going to end well?'

Kurama was truly getting tired. He was truly beginning to think he should just come out and say it. Naruto had had no social training growing up. So while the blond had definitely gotten smarter since they came to this world. Some things he just had no experience in. And the worst part was if he forced the issue it would backfire. It was no longer amusing watching them dance around each other.

"Naruto you need to cut ties with Tayuya as Blaze" said Kurama bluntly

'What?!' exclaimed Naruto 'Why would I do that?'

"Baka I didn't say you should cut her off completely. Cassandra has your cell in case of emergencies and that is all she should have it for. Blaze is becoming a symbol in Central City. You know what happened to Iris and Caitlin because they know the Flash. And unlike Barry you are up against something more dangerous."

'If whoever is in charge of Amazo finds out about this I would put them in danger'

"And also Blaze is a guardian not a delivery man. You are lying to Tayuya and it is not fair. What would you do if one day she asks for your secret identity? Would you risk involving her with Wells too? Even you are not that stupid."

Kurama knew he was being hard but it was necessary. Just because Naruto couldn't see how this was affecting Tayuya didn't mean he had to keep doing it. Naruto knew that Kurama had a point but…

'I am not going to abandon her' declared Naruto 'She's my friend'

"And that is the problem"

'And what is that supposed to mean?'

Kurama sighed; the brat was just too dense to realize Tayuya's situation. Being attracted to two guys who were both lying to her was cruel. And to make it worse both guys were the same person. As far as Naruto was concerned friendship was far more precious than anything. But Kurama had to draw the line somewhere. The girl already had trust issues. No need to make things worse.

"Forget it" said Kurama deciding to change tactics "Choose then"

Naruto blinked

'Choose what?'

"Choose the side of yourself that you want Tayuya to know: Blaze or Naruto"

'I choose both'

"Think about the implications of that choice."

Naruto frowned and followed Kurama's instruction. After a few minutes he realized what Kurama had been hinting at. His life was bigger than just him; his sister, his team, his enemies, his allies in Team Oliver and his duty as Blaze. Telling Tayuya about all this was not fair to the people whom trusted him. His life as Blaze was just too complicated to involve Tayuya. And if she took the situation poorly...all hell will break loose.

'Kurama I swore that I would never abandon anyone' said Naruto almost pleading with Kurama to find him a way out. Kurama however sighed in sympathy;

"That's the price of being Blaze" said Kurama "And she will still have you as Naruto so you are not abandoning her"

Just then Naruto's phone went off; Tayuya was asking him where he was. Naruto knew that if he was going to this then he had to do it right. He had to face Tayuya and tell her. He was not looking forward to this one bit. Racing to her apartment sans the food Naruto entered through the balcony.

"Oi Shithead you're late; where's the food?" asked Tayuya irritated

Cassandra was about to excuse them when she saw the look on Blaze's face. Something was very wrong. Naruto took a deep breath and decided to just rip the bandage off.

"I can't be your friend anymore Tayuya" stated Naruto "If you guys are ever in trouble I will help but that's it"

Tayuya blinked rapidly in confusion;

"What are you saying?" asked Tayuya slowly

"When I took up this duty I had to give up certain things. And having friends was one of them. Not only am I lying to you every day; I can't ever tell you the truth. And if people knew that we're close it would put you in danger."

"Get out" growled Tayuya after a moment

Naruto saw the pain and anger in her eyes and his heart broke. Cutting her off knowing how hard it was for her to form bonds was cruel. He had spent so long convincing her that he would never leave. And now he was telling her that they could no longer be friends. He knew she was right to be angry; and she may very well hate him.

"I'm sorry"

"GET OUT" roared Tayuya "YOU LYING MANIPULATIVE SON OF A BITCH I HATE YOU"

"Tayuya I…"

Before her sister could activate her powers in anger Cassandra held her hand. Turning to Blaze she said;

"I think its best you leave"

Nodding Naruto took one last look at Tayuya and ran off. In pain he ran in the direction of Star Labs; he couldn't go home and lie to his sister. Kurama felt for the kid. Growing up hated and alone was a painful experience, and so Naruto treasured his friends dearly. So to have the courage to cut Tayuya off face to face…he was really starting to respect the brat. But Naruto didn't need his opinion right now. The kid was still on edge so he kept quiet. When Naruto arrived he heard them talking about Barry's latest save. Deciding to just observe for now Naruto hid away; Naruto wanted to watch his friends being happy.

"Dude that was insane" said Cisco laughing with excitement "Even I'm having a hard time getting mad at you for dirtying up my suit"

"Hey when are we gonna start considering it my suit?" asked Barry smiling

"I'd be comfortable calling it our suit" said Cisco

Barry smiled in amazement; Cisco was possessive. Also he knew exactly what Naruto would say if he heard that. Just then Caitlin walked in;

"Tonight was the fastest you've ever run" said Caitlin with pride colouring her tone

Barry felt his ego boost at Caitlin's tone. He suddenly felt he like showing her he could go faster. He actually wondered what she would say if he could double his speed. The thought of her proud smile almost made him miss what Dr. Wells was saying.

"Yes your training is paying off" said Wells "That couple is alive tonight because of you"

"I can still get faster" said Barry "I know I can"

"And you will one day I'm sure" said Wells "But for today I'd say you've fulfilled your save quota, proper rest is what you need as do we all"

"Better yet what we all need is a proper drink" said Cisco

"Who's up for round?"

"Go on Wells isn't here and you could use your friends" coaxed Kurama

"I could use one" said Naruto entering the Cortex.

Barry and Caitlin who were about to decline saw the look on Naruto's face. Cisco asked first;

"Whoa what happened to you?" asked Cisco

Barry liked to think of Naruto as a happy person. But seeing him so downtrodden was concerning. He shared a look with Caitlin and said;

"How about I get us some drinks?"

When he left Caitlin went to give Naruto a hug. Naruto blinked;

"What's this for?"

Caitlin held him tighter;

"You looked like you could a hug"

Naruto stayed stiff for a moment and then relaxed in her arms. He didn't even notice the tears streaming down his face. Caitlin did though and she wished she could do something to help. Seeing someone she cared for in pain was unbearable to her. Barry came back and helped her coax Naruto to the bed in the med-bay. She still held onto him as he cried in her arms as Barry and Cisco sat close to the bed. Barry quickly sent a text to Joe that he would not be able to make it tonight. He had something far more important to do.

Watching Caitlin hold Naruto, who had decided to let go, as he sobbed made him think of Iris. She was always there to hold him up when he broke down. Just then the thought of Naruto and Caitlin passed through his mind and he revolted. Caitlin was Naruto sister, nothing more. After a few moments passed Naruto pulled away from Caitlin's embrace;

"Sorry"

"No don't apologize ever for that" said Caitlin

"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Barry

"And it's cool if you don't; I got some killer games that are guaranteed to make you feel better" said Cisco "Nothing helps a sad heart more than killing NPC's"

Naruto laughed a bit.

"Bet I could kick your ass" said Naruto feeling slightly better

"Yeah you wish I am the Game King"

Barry smirked;

"Hey isn't that what you said about pranking?"

Naruto laughed better now as he watched Cisco glared at Barry.

"I almost had him" grumbled Cisco

"That wasn't how it looked"

"Yeah Popcorn Cisco"

"Boys" chided Caitlin

Caitlin smiled when she saw Naruto was lighter. These three may come with their own headaches. Two of them constantly put themselves in danger while the other was Cisco. But to be honest they were her boys and she wouldn't have them any other way. Speaking of;

"Barry got some drinks not like you two can get drunk"

"That is so not fair" said Cisco pouting a bit

Naruto's sad expression returned and Caitlin pulled him in. Placing her head on his she softly said;

"You can tell us Naruto it's okay"

"I made a friend a few months back" started Naruto "I really liked having her as my friend. We even met, while I was Naruto, and got close"

"What happened?" asked Barry softly

"As Blaze I had to make some sacrifices. I told that I couldn't be her friend anymore and she didn't handle it well. I promised her that I would never leave her. I hurt her and she didn't deserve it."

Barry recalled his situation with Iris. Having friends as their alter egos was dangerous and reckless. Barry knew Naruto did the right thing. Sitting on Naruto's other side he placed a hand on his shoulder.

"It helps to know that you did the right thing" said Barry

"And you said she knows Naruto right?" asked Caitlin "Well it has been my experience that just being around you and Barry can heal most any wound. It is what makes you heroes: with or without your speed."

Barry looked at Caitlin in shock. He remembered when he lost his speed and Caitlin tried to encourage him. He thought she was just being nice. He had no idea that's how she actually felt. Looking into her eyes he realized that Caitlin would always be proud of him. Suddenly he started wishing he knew her long ago. He knew his life would have been so much better if he had her: someone who didn't put him on a scale; rather someone who saw him and accepted him wholly. The gesture filled a hole in Barry's heart that he didn't even know he had.

"Thanks Caitlin" said Barry/Naruto

Caitlin blushed when she saw the look in their eyes. Being in the spotlight for things like this always made her self-conscious. Thankfully Cisco drew their attention.

"Alright I say we order pizza and play video games all night"

"I'm in" said Barry "Caitlin?"

"Oh no I don't know how play" said Caitlin

Barry smirked;

"I'll teach you"

"I'm in too" said Naruto

Caitlin looked at their expectant eyes and sighed;

"Fine"

XXXX

"Barry I don't think this is a good idea" said Naruto

Barry smiled excitedly;

"Oh come on this is going to be fun" said Barry with a smirk "I've always wanted to call someone Rookie"

Naruto gave him a look;

"I'm not a rookie"

"You are a rookie as far as this job is concerned" said Barry glibly

Naruto sighed;

"I don't know how I let you talk me into this"

"Naruto you need something to get your mind off things" said Barry "Something in your day job that is challenging"

"I have a day job" groused Naruto

"Can you put together a single sentence right now?" asked Barry

Naruto mumbled incoherently;

"No one likes a show-off"

"Okay well let's get to Iron Heights"

Naruto sighed and followed Barry. After games yesterday Barry came up with this brilliant idea. He was now a CSI intern and he was uncomfortable. Now they were en route to Iron Heights where an inmate escaped. When they arrived Naruto assisted Barry in collecting evidence. This was what he did not enjoy about this idea. Barry analysed every single inch of the room. Naruto had to watch his step lest Barry scold him about contaminating evidence. Barry was right though it was mind-numbing work. As they were rounding up Joe walked in.

"Hey" said Joe before frowning at Naruto's presence

"Blame him" said Naruto

Barry gave Naruto a look for throwing him under the bus. He was trying to be a good friend. Barry was so going to get back at him for that. Naruto saw the look on Barry's face and groaned. Joe just shook his head and moved on.

"The security cameras in half the prison have been shut down. Then Clap Parker, according to this data log, who was still locked in his cell, somehow vanishes"

"Shushin" whispered Naruto

"What is that?" asked Barry/Joe

"Nothing"

"Um well he didn't completely vanish" said Barry before showing Joe a vial

"What is that?" asked Joe

"It's some king of organic particle residue" said Barry "We found it on the floor in here; just outside the cell; down the hallway. The trail led us all the way outside."

Naruto was going to speak up when a guard brought someone to the cell. He seemed to bear some resemblance to Barry. When he heard Barry call him Dad he was stunned. But watching the smug look on Joe's face he understood. Somehow Joe had arranged for Henry to be brought here. Watching the look of joy on Barry's face was worth whatever strings he pulled.

"Inmates should escape more often" said Naruto

Joe gave him a look; Naruto simply smirked.

"So I guess the word going around was true Parker pulled a Sharwshank" said Henry

"Yep and none of the other prisoners saw or heard anything" said Joe

"Well they won't talk to you about it" said Henry

"Wow Barry your Dad's cute and smart" Naruto quipped

"What are you doing?" asked Joe

"I'm using my humour to mask my pain and suffering" said Naruto "It is working wonderfully"

Henry smiled paternally;

"Well it sometimes helped to talk about your pain"

Naruto was put off kilter by the smile. As someone who has never had anyone looks at him like that, it was very off-putting. And somehow Henry and Joe saw that and gave each other a look. Barry still basking in his Dad's presence continued talking.

"It leaves us with not a lot to go on" said Barry

"Well if there's anyone who can figure out how Parker got out of here it's you son" said Henry proudly

"Come on Allen let's go" said the guard

"Well duty calls" said Henry smiling before he left

Naruto was suddenly feeling very uncomfortable and he didn't like it. Barry was his friend and he was glad he got to see his father. Yet he couldn't turn off the anger he was feeling. There was a rage boiling in his chest. But more than that was the tears he could feel in his heart. He didn't understand what was going on. And that made him even more upset. He was so focused on analysing his own feelings that he blocked everything else out. So he was startled when Barry put his hand on his shoulder.

"What?" asked Naruto disoriented

Barry frowned;

"Are you okay Naruto?"

"Yeah I'm fine" said Naruto "Are we leaving now?"

"Yeah we need to head to Star Labs" said Barry

Naruto didn't know why he was suddenly feeling trapped. All he knew was that he needed air. He didn't even recall the excuse he gave before running out of Iron Heights. Fortunately he was aware enough not to use his speed until he exited the building. From there he just took off running at full speeds. By the time he stopped to catch his breath he found that he was no longer in Central City. He had been running on pure instincts. Looking around it took him a moment to realize where his feet had taken him.

"Hey are you okay?"

Startled Naruto turned and gaped when he saw who was standing in front of him. Kurama was seriously starting to think fate loved screwing with Naruto.

"You look out of breath"

"Yeah I just ran here on instinct" said Naruto who was trying to reassert his brain

"Look if you need a drink or something we're not open and we don't sell drugs here"

Naruto raised an eyebrow;

"Do I look like I would be interested in taking drugs?"

"Look I have seized to assume people are who they say they are"

Naruto blinked;

"You sound like you know that from hard experience"

"You could say that. So if you are not here for drinks or drugs then you can leave this is not a nice neighbourhood"

"Yet here you are"

"Yeah well I can take care of myself"

"Manners brat" said Kurama "Then you can go back to staring at her"

'Shush'

"I'm Uzumaki Naruto"

"Thea Queen"

"It's nice to meet you Ms Queen"

"Well aren't you polite?"

Naruto shrugged;

"Maybe you intimidate me"

Thea smirked;

"Little old me"

Naruto smirked cheekily;

"You're old? Wow what's the name of your surgeon?"

Thea tried not to laugh but she did. Given how complicated her life was right now, this was nice: Just talking to someone new without the regular complications. Naruto was just as spellbound by Thea as he was when he first ran past her. She had a beauty and air about her that just drew him in. Although he wasn't sure how Oliver would feel about him being friends with his sister. But as of right now he couldn't bring himself to care.

"So you going to leave anytime soon?" asked Thea

Naruto sighed in frustration;

"I don't want to go back yet" said Naruto "My life is getting complicated"

Thea scoffed;

"Line forms behind me buddy. You wanna talk about it?"

Naruto smirked;

"Are you offering?"

Thea smiled glibly;

"Well I am technically a bartender"

Naruto laughed;

"So you must get a lot of stories"

"I'm practically a counsellor"

"Ah except you bring drinks instead of prescriptions"

Thea chuckled and nodded towards the bar;

"Come on I'll buy you a drink"

Naruto could already feel his heart healing.

"I'm guessing I don't need a fake ID"

Thea smiled back at him;

"Well consider yourself lucky then"

Naruto laughed as he sat on the stool while Thea stood behind the bar.

"So what can I get you?" asked Thea

"Well would you believe me if I say I have never had a drink before?"

Thea gaped;

"Seriously?" asked Thea surprised

"Yeah"

"Well why don't we have a club soda then?"

"Sounds good"

"So what brings you here?" asked Thea as she handed him his drink

"I honestly don't know" said Naruto "I saw my friend hug his Dad, who is wrongfully in prison, and I started feeling off"

"And you don't know why?"

Naruto frowned and thought about it;

"I think I do but I don't want to think about it"

Thea shrugged;

"I've had a few of those"

"Yeah?" asked Naruto

Thea sighed deeply

"Trust me I know how complicated life can get"

"How do you get through it?" asked Naruto

"I hold on to my family and my loved ones" said Thea "It's why I've been stressed lately"

"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Naruto

"After you"

Naruto smirked;

"Okay how about this: I will tell you one heavy and two light truths about me; and then you will go next"

Thea stared at Naruto deeply as if gauging him before smirking;

"I'll agree if you agree to have a real drink with me"

"Deal but we're having red wine. It's something I've always wanted to try."

"Well lucky for you I happen to love red wine"

Naruto watched her get a bottle and pour it into two glasses. The truth is he was not as freaked out by this as he should be. But he was still scared that Thea would look at him differently. His life was not normal even before he jumped dimensions. Thea handed him a glass and smirked;

"So you want to go first?"

Naruto sighed and prepared himself. All he could do now was committing to what he started. Besides one plus side was that he was going to get to know Thea.

"I burned water when I first made coffee; I got lost in a mall the first time I went; and I never knew my parents"

Thea took a sharp intake of breath at that. She could see the deep sadness in his eyes. She was not going to push him to talk about it though. Taking a sip she said;

"I didn't learn how to use a laundry machine until I was 17; I love alien movies but I don't tell people; and my mother died in front of me"

She expected Naruto to look at her in shock or pity. But instead he looked at her in understanding. She could feel her guard lowering. It felt good to tell someone that that just understood and accepted it. Smiling Naruto said;

"Well I love alien movies too"

Thea smiled; she could see what he was doing.

"Yeah" said Thea "Okay your turn"

XXXX

"Not even Barry or Naruto's cells move this fast" said Caitlin "I have never seen anything like it"

"So Clay Parker is a meta-human" said Joe

"Not so fast" said Wells getting a closer look at the images "The particulate residue Barry gathered at Iron Heights does contain Clay Parker's DNA but also the DNA of a woman"

"Run her DNA against the CCPD criminal database see if you get a match" said Barry

"Yahtzee her name is Shawna Baez mostly petty crimes and this girl likes to party apparently" said Cisco "Long list of disorderly conducts at local bars"

"So I'm guessing we find her; we find Clay Parker" said Joe "Barry"

"Yeah" said Barry

"Barry where is Naruto?" asked Caitlin

Barry sighed; that was something he was not ready to answer.

"He got upset and ran off" said Barry "I don't know why"

Caitlin frowned;

"Wait what happened; is he okay?"

"Cait he is going through a few things right now so I think we should give some room"

"But Barry…"

"Cait"

Caitlin saw the look Barry was giving her and sighed.

"I will give two hours before I start worrying"

"Six"

"Two"

"Three" said Barry "Please Cait"

Caitlin almost growled in frustration;

"Fine three but if anything happens to him you will answer to me Mr. Allen"

Barry smirked;

"You got it Dr Snow"

Cisco wondered if they knew that they were talking like Naruto was their kid. He had told Caitlin that she was still hung up on Ronnie. But watching these two he was starting to feel like that wasn't the case.

"In the meantime let's track these particulates and see how they work" said Wells

Cisco saw Wells and Caitlin leave and knew this was his chance to get answers.

"I'll be right with you guys" said Cisco

XXXX

Barry was getting coffee with Iris at Jitters. He however couldn't wipe the smile on his face. Iris of course noticed and said;

"What's that smile about?"

"I saw my dad today" said Barry happily "No glass; no phones just me and him face to face; Joe arranged it"

"That must have been amazing Barry" said Iris

"Yeah I really needed it" said Barry

"I'm sure he needed it too" said Iris "Where you there investigating the break-out?"

"Mm-hmm"

"That is a big story which I am not a part of" said Iris "My editor wants me writing about The Flash and Blaze alone"

"Is that a bad thing?" asked Barry carefully

"I don't know I would just love to be thought of as more than just the speedsters PR flack" lamented Iris "I mean if I don't write something soon I think I might lose my job"

Barry leaned forward in full support, as always.

"Hey no we will find you a great story to write about together okay?" assured Barry "You know I am always here for you"

Just then Barry leaned back and took out his phone. Iris felt him emotionally pull away from her. This never happened before so she was curious.

"You texting someone?" asked Iris prodding gently

"Naruto was a bit upset earlier and Caitlin and I agreed to give him 3 hours before checking in"

"Oh so it's been three hours"

Barry looked abashed;

"Two and half" said Barry "It's hypocritical I know but I just want to be sure he is fine. Also Caitlin will be upset if she could have helped him but couldn't"

"You and Caitlin care about Naruto" said Iris "It is normal"

Barry smirked;

"Caitlin is amazing like that. She gives her best to the people in her life. She is incredible. Just let me check in on Naruto; inform Caitlin that he is okay and then I'm all yours"

Iris didn't know how she felt about Barry talking about another girl with that smile on his face. She wanted to believe that Barry only smiled like that at her. But he wasn't even paying attention to her now.

XXXX

The bottle was almost gone and Naruto and Thea were enjoying themselves. They had decided, non-verbally, to stick to light topics after the first couple bombs. Naruto knew Thea's mother died in front of her and that her father committed suicide. Thea knew that Naruto lost his parents at birth and his best friend attempted to kill him. Those bombs were things neither of them was ready to delve into yet. So they decided to swap stories; mostly about their older siblings. Thea had just told Naruto how Oliver slept with a night light and Naruto gaped before busting out in laughter.

Thea smirked;

"Yeah he likes to act like such a badass now"

"Oh wow that is precious" said Naruto "Okay well Akira and I went to the zoo once and she decided that it was a good idea to visit the gorillas. So there we were looking at the gorillas when one of them mooned her"

Thea gaped;

"A gorilla did what?"

Naruto chuckled;

"She was so shocked and I just couldn't stop laughing"

"Well you sister must be attractive"

"That's what I said but she chased me round the zoo" said Naruto

Thea couldn't stop laughing. Just then Naruto's phone rang.

"Hey Barry"

"Hey Naruto are you okay?"

Naruto looked at Thea and smiled;

"Yeah I'm good"

"Alright well you should get to work then"

Understanding what he meant Naruto sighed sadly. He loved Central City but he didn't want to leave this moment either. But he realized being a hero meant making sacrifices.

"I'll be there"

Looking at Thea Naruto said;

"I have to go"

"It's okay"

"Thank you Thea I'm really glad I got to meet you" said Naruto honestly "I hope it's not the last time"

Thea shrugged;

"Well you know where to find me"

"You might regret that" said Naruto teasingly

Thea smiled flirtatiously;

"Who says I will?"

Naruto had to pull himself away physically and leave. One thing he knew for sure: he couldn't wait to see Thea Queen again.

XXXX

Barry was really starting to hate doing the right thing. As he walked into the Cortex he couldn't stop worrying about his father. He was vulnerable in prison especially after talking with cops about prison Intel. He managed to hide his worry as he saw Caitlin. He knew if he told her she would want to help and he needed to focus right now. Naruto was with Joe at CCPD looking through the Intel his father gave him and Joe.

"Hmm I was analysing the particulates that Clay Parker and Shawna Baez left behind and I found something very interesting" said Caitlin "When Clay's cells come into contact with Shawna's they adapt her properties."

Barry was impressed as usual. He was going to question her further when he noticed Caitlin biting her lower lip. He knew she only did that when something was bothering her. And since Naruto was okay he knew it was something new. When he saw her bite it again he couldn't help but notice; Caitlin has pretty lips.

'Whoa where did that come from?' thought Barry 'Focus Barry'

"Is something bothering you?" asked Barry

"Why would ask that?"

Barry smirked; because I know you he almost said.

"You're doing that biting your lower lip thing you do when something is bothering you"

Caitlin cleared her throat;

"I'm fine"

Barry smiled and waited for it. When Caitlin spoke up he almost smiled in pride; she was cute.

"Cisco says that I don't have a life" bemoaned Caitlin with a pout

Barry couldn't stop the smile at how adorable she looked. He of course couldn't help but tease her further.

"You don't do you?"

"I do" said Caitlin "I cook, and I eat, and I read, and I help you"

'God she is adorable' thought Barry

"So what you are saying is you do everything that nothing to do with having a life"

Caitlin smiled;

"You don't have to be rude about it"

Barry chuckled before saying;

"Hey I'm not doing any better than you" said Barry "My social life consists of running at superhuman speeds and Netflix"

"We are quite the pair Mr Allen"

"Yes we are Dr Snow"

Neither of them was conscious of the happy smiles on their faces. Just then an alarm went off;

"There's an armed robbery in progress" said Caitlin "Two suspects; male and female in their 20's. Sounds like our Meta-human Bonnie and Clyde are at it again"

Barry smirked;

"Time to ruin their social life"

XXXX

"This is a bullet wound" said Caitlin with worry inflecting her tone "You are lucky it just barely broke your skin"

"I guess I am a lot faster than a speeding bullet" Barry quipped

Wells wheeled in and Barry decided to de-brief them.

"Shawna Baez she can teleport" said Barry

"As in beam-me-up-Shawna?" asked Caitlin incredulously

"Yes of course quantum entanglement; the ability to manipulate interconnected particles over an infinite distance" said Wells impressed "Or as Einstein put it, spooky action at a distance"

"Every time I got close she'd disappear" said Barry "It was like we were playing a game of…"

"Peek-a-boo" finished Caitlin with a proud smile

At Barry's look she said;

"Come on can't I name one?"

Barry smiled; he wondered if Caitlin played Peek-a-boo. Somehow a child Caitlin fascinated him. Turning back to Wells he continued;

"How am I supposed to catch her if I don't know where she is going to be?"

"Everybody has limits Mr Allen" said Wells "Now that we know Shawna's powers we will focus on those limits"

"Let me know I'm going to change" said Barry walking off "I'm going to help Iris"

Caitlin gave him a look as he walked off. She really hoped he didn't mean as the Flash. Also something was off about his tone. Shaking her head she went back to her work. Barry is a big boy; he can handle himself…sometimes.

XXXX

"Hey Barry" said Eddie

"Hey Eddie" replied Barry

"Hey what are you doing here?" asked Iris

Barry looked between her and Eddie and said;

"I thought I'd see if you wanted help writing your story for the paper"

"Oh that is so sweet" said Iris

Barry knew what that tone meant and he prepared himself.

"I would love to but we're about to have dinner with Eddie's mom tonight"

"And we're late" said Eddie

"Can we do it another time?" asked Iris

Barry gave the usual response and off they went. Whenever this happened in the past he always hated it. But instead of sadness he felt resigned. Iris was his sister and she was happy. It was way past time he realized that. He couldn't keep doing this to himself. Iris was with Eddie and Eddie is a great guy. He needed to start being her best friend and brother and let go of his crush. Besides as the Flash he had a city to save. Speaking of; Barry decided to call Caitlin for some information. He might as well spend the night investigating.

"Hey"

"What bars did Shawna and Clay frequent?" asked Barry

"Uh mostly south side dive bars why?"

"I was just gonna check em out" said Barry "See if they fall into any old habits"

"That's a good idea" said Caitlin "I'll join you"

XXXX

Barry was not expecting this; being a speedster means that he saw Caitlin walk into the bar in slow motion. And his brain almost crashed. She looked absolutely stunning. He was starting to wonder what she would wear on an actual date. He was so lost in thought that he didn't even realize Caitlin was in front of him. Her voice pulled him from his thoughts. Unfortunately his focus switched from her dress to her lips.

"What?"

Barry started;

"What-what nothing" fumbled Barry "Um you look...really nice"

"I don't always dress like a high school principal"

"I've always loved your outfits but this is stunning"

Barry didn't even realize what he said until he saw Caitlin blushing. He quickly decided to change topics. He also turned away from her lest he stare more than was appropriate.

"So this is where Clay Parker and Shawna Baez used to hang out"

"It is according to her files" said Caitlin "I thought we could kill two birds with one stone: look for them and get ourselves out there"

Barry had to distract his mind and fast. His eyes were wandering and lingering on places it should not be. Deciding Iris was a safe topic he opened up to Caitlin;

"I keep making the same mistake. Every time Iris falls I race to pick her up thinking that one of these times things are going to change. But things are never going to change. I am destined to be just a friend"

"At least you are not pining for someone who busts into flames and wants nothing to do with you"

'Even with everything you are dealing with you still want to help cheer me up' thought Barry

"I'm really glad I got to meet you Cait" said Barry "And I have accepted Iris as my sister and nothing more"

Caitlin didn't know why she was blushing. Barry didn't know why he couldn't stop looking at her. They needed to refocus, now.

"What is wrong with us?" asked Barry "I mean we are in our 20's; we should be having fun; we should be meeting people; go on lots of dates"

"Well here's to liquid courage" said Caitlin before downing the whole drink. Barry just sat in shock.

"You drank all of it"

"Excuse me" said Caitlin signalling the waiter "I would like to start a tab"

Barry could not believe was happening.

XXXX

Singing with a drunken Caitlin was the best. Barry couldn't stop smiling at Caitlin's drunken side. Just when he thought he knew her she surprised him. This was becoming one of his favourite nights ever. And one obnoxious bartender who only answered girls couldn't ruin that. He wondered if this is what Caitlin was like when she relaxed. Somehow he wanted to ask her out just to see what she was like away from Star Labs. What was her favourite ice-cream? Was she afraid of anything? What was she excited by? A voice pulled him from his thoughts before he could go further. It was the girl who helped him with the bartender.

"So was that your girlfriend up there?" asked Linda

Barry was about to say no when he realized; being Caitlin's boyfriend sounded really cool. She is smart, beautiful, caring, strong, and fierce and she kept him on his toes.

"She is incredible" said Barry unknowingly

Lind nodded;

"Yeah you should hold on to her"

Barry was too busy analysing when he started liking Caitlin to see Linda leave. But a few moments later Caitlin came looking sick.

"Barry I don't feel so good"

XXXX

Watching Caitlin sleep was dangerous. He had been able to change her into her PJs without incident. And when she said he deserved a peek he handled it smoothly. When she said he should call Linda he didn't tell her anything about what they said. When she asked him to stay until she fell asleep he agreed because he felt he could handle it. He was so wrong. All he wanted to do was run his hands through her hair. He was seriously tempted to see if they were soft as he thought. It was when he started thinking about kissing her lips that he knew he had to get out of there.

XXXX

When he arrived at Star Labs that night all he wanted to do was clear his head.

"Hey Barry there you are"

Startled Barry turned to see Naruto;

"Naruto"

"Yeah have you seen Caitlin?"

"She's asleep"

Naruto blinked;

"How do you know that?"

Barry froze;

"What did you want?"

Naruto stared hard at him for a moment.

"I caught Shawna Baez" said Naruto "Joe and I apprehended her tonight with Clay Parker"

"That's good"

Naruto knew something was up. But he wasn't going to push Barry on it. So he left Barry to his own devices.

A/N: That is that. Let me know what you all think.

See you soon

Dante out