Harry set down the bag of books just inside Caitlin's front door and hurried to the garage, rushing to tote all four chairs to the back yard. Carla and Thomas were inspecting the lawn but came over to help open the chairs and arrange them to enjoy the sun.

"I'll go help Caitlin with…whatever she's doing."

"Oh no dear, why don't you sit and tell us everything Caity won't share?" Carla patted the seat of a chair. "She never wants to open up to us."

Harry shrugged. "You mean how popular she is on set?" Warming to his subject, Harry smiled. "Your daughter is an excellent actor and she's given this role her whole commitment. I wouldn't be surprised if she landed the lead in a sequel."

Holding a tray full of glasses and a bottle of wine tucked into the crook of her arm, Caitlin paused before opening the screen of her patio door. It was nice to hear praise from a co-worker, and even nicer that it was unsolicited. Head bowed for a moment, Caitlin was startled to hear the door slide open.

Harry snapped his fingers. "Oi! No napping on the job." He took the tray from Caitlin and winked. "You've got thirsty company."

"You're right." Caitlin watched Harry march back over to her parents like a soldier going to war; back ramrod straight, showing no fear. Hmm. Not that he should fear meeting her parents. It wasn't like they were dating, friends met the parents of friends - that's normal. Deep inside a corner of her mind, Caitlin wondered what if…what if she and Harry could be more than friends.

"Caity! I just remembered the cheese board!" Carla moved to jump out of her seat, but stayed put as Harry handed her a wine glass. She mouthed 'thank-you' to Harry and explained, "A pre-dinner snack just like all our other family get-togethers."

"I'll be back real soon." Caitlin handed the bottle to Harry, asking apologetically, "Can you give them giant servings?"

Harry nodded and began to pour, starting with Carla. "So, how are you enjoying California?"

"The traffic is terrible but we do love the sunshine!" Carla took a sip of wine, turning to face her husband. "Next month we're taking a cruise vacation."

Enthused about their plans, Thomas said, "Our cabin has a balcony this time!"

Harry made interested noises and filled his own and Caitlin's glasses. "Sounds wonderful, what's the destination?"

"The Bahamas." Caitlin arrived with the cheese platter; only cheddar but accompanied by three kinds of crackers. "Last vacation was a resort in Cuba."

"Dear, is there a table to sit that on?" Carla craned her neck looking around, saying to her husband, "Or some kind of tray?"

"Back to the garage I go." Harry tilted his head and added his and Caitlin's wine to the cheese tray. "Back in a jiff."

Carla had the grace to wait until Harry was out of earshot. "Your friend sure knows his way around your house. Is there something you'd like to tell us?"

Thomas helped himself to some cheese and crackers, then relaxed into his chair. One hand with food, the other - his wine. "He does seem like a nice guy, but we want more for you than that."

"I get it and at this point Harry gets it too - but can we have one visit where you don't try to marry me off?"

"Is that what you think?" Carla exchanged a soft look with Thomas. "We want you to be happy. I guess that's what's made me happy, being with your father - it isn't the kind of happy you're looking for."

"Caity, we'll try harder." Thomas gave his wife a rueful smile. "Kids."

Caitlin pinched the bridge of her nose. 'Kids.' Lord have mercy…had her parents called her a child or were they saying children would make her happy?

Harry came back with a small table and putting it in the middle, taking the cheese platter from a mute Caitlin, taking his wine and handing Caitlin hers. "Did I miss anything?"

Harry followed Caitlin into her kitchen. Ostensibly it was to refresh the cheese platter, but more like to escape the well-intentioned questions from her parents. "Carla is like a pit pull, isn't she?"

"Can't you think of something fiercer?" Caitlin scoffed as she looked at her failing stock of wine. "More like some kind of dragon slash pit pull hybrid."

"Tell me how you really feel…Caity." Harry laughed as Caitlin punched his upper arm. "Good thing you're cute." He turned to hide his grin but had to ask, "Are we cooking dinner, going out or ordering in?" Caitlin slumped against his back, making Harry very nervous. "Whatcha doing?"

"I didn't plan dinner."

The deep pathos in her voice made Harry want to hold Caitlin in his arms and kiss all her worries away. Knowing that was not a good idea, he instead suggested they check out the fridge and pantry for options. And when the shelves offered less than stellar ingredients, he said, "Y'know, Big Belly Burger does uber eats…"

"I'm not feeding my mother and father Big Belly Burgers."

"Our relationship isn't going to work out then." Harry rolled his eyes and shook his head sorrowfully. "You don't appreciate good food if you don't love the three B's."

"I make up for that shortcoming in the bedroom," Caitlin snapped back, "Too bad you won't get to sample that."

"Let's not be hasty!"

"…" Caitlin blinked in silence as she thought. "Are you talking about uber eats from another restaurant?"

"…yeeeeesssss?" Harry mock flinched as Caitlin frowned. In a much more serious tone, he asked, "What kind of food do your parents like?"

"Anything salt-free and bland." Caitlin didn't even have to think twice at her answer. "They're not fussy in the least."

"It's easy then, grab your usual to-go menus and we'll order delivery." Harry confidently smiled at Caitlin. "And don't act like you don't have a menu from Big Belly Burger - I saw it and the frozen pizza pocket wrappers in your trash."

"So, Caity, what're your parents doing today waiting for you to finish work?" Harry wisely moved out of striking distance. "Do you have any other family in the area?"

"If only." Caitlin kept one eye on the set dresser and the other on Harry. "They've been here quite a few times and seen all the normal tourist traps. They like taking walks and driving with the top down."

"You mean, driving with the 'convertible' top down, right?"

Caitlin made a sour face. "Such talent with words and this is what you choose to do." She shuddered. "Where's the mind soap when I need it?"

"Sorry, not sorry."

"What if I poison your mind with images of your parents being naughty?"

Harry clutched his heart, widened his eyes to comical size and gasped, "You wouldn't!"

Unable to resist moving closer, Caitlin stood toe to toe with Harry, craning her head up to look him in the face. "I would!"

"Save the flirting for later my dears." Tina McGee hid her smirk behind her script notes. "But it would be a shame not to harness your natural attraction, eh?" Abruptly Tina turned about and marched to her director's chair, sitting and making plans.

Iris moved closer to Caitlin, nudging her with an elbow and drawing Caitlin's attention to Julian and Harry waiting in front of the cameras for their scene to be reset. Softly the younger woman said, "So, if you had to, who would you?"

"Are you seriously asking me a juvenile question like that, right here - right now?" Caitlin whispered back. "Let's go grab a coffee at the craft table."

Cradling their hot beverages, both actresses took the measure of the other. Reaching an unspoken consensus they giggled and spoke at the same time. "Not Julian!"

Caitlin blew steam from her drink. "He's not my type."

"I can't argue with that, seeing as how I can tell you find tall, dark-haired and blue-eyed more your style." Iris snickered into her coffee. "I love me a tall man too."

Sweetly volleying back, Caitlin asked, "Does Barry know?"

"How did you know?!"

"I have eyes." Caitlin shrugged and smiled amicably. "Neither of us seem to be any good at hiding our preferences, huh?"

"Nope." Iris looked left and right, seeing nobody to worry about she continued to confide. "You interested in getting and keeping what you're after?"

Tina slammed down the phone and grinned at Cisco. "That's how you negotiate with the rat bastards at the studio. Tell them in no uncertain terms how you'll make their movie the best and earn lots of cash."

"Thanks for the lesson, but I don't know that I'd have the nerve to call the president a bollocks sucking weasel."

"Well, I suppose that was the advanced class." Tina pulled a specially edited script off a pile of papers and offered it to Cisco. "Read this and tell me how much you love it."

"Right now?"

"No, next year… Yes, now!"

Cisco yelped, not unlike a scalded dog, scrabbling to take the set of papers from Tina.

Lips pressed in a firm line, Tina pinched the bridge of her nose. "You need to relax. Go visit your girlfriend -" she shrugged, "-or boyfriend, none of my business, but you need to take that edge off and soon."

"In some of my copious spare time." Cisco gritted his teeth and faked a smile. "This my copy?"

"Of course." Regally nodding, Tina waved at Cisco. "Go and take that edge off."

"Aye aye, cap'n."

Harry tried to smother his trepidation. Kissing another actor was not a big deal - usually. But having to kiss Caitlin might end his existence. What if it disgusted her? What if he got too excited? How would he ever face her again? Those sorts of thoughts raced round and round his brain - and then a small bit of sanity returned. No point worrying over something until it happened.

Caitlin looked pretty calm, leaning against the far set wall. Harry scoped out the other workers on set; the lighting crew were only concerned with the lights - good. The sound crew were concentrating on their equipment. The extras…oh, they were staring at Caitlin and himself. Shit.

This scene was new and Harry knew if it went well it would make it into the movie. He'd researched Tina McGee immediately after deciding to audition. This was how she operated. A little wild but always chasing the movie money - her changes always lead to bigger box office returns.

One eye on the clock and the other on Caitlin, Harry steeled his nerves. It was just another scene. A scene he could perform with a hundred different actresses or actors. Kissing was just lips on lips.

Caitlin took another deep breath and prayed nobody else could tell how nervous she was. Today's scene wasn't very different from the original plan, but different enough. The thought of kissing Julian was honestly meh - and now that it was planned for her character to kiss Harry… Shit, did she have time to pop a breath mint?

Forcing her turmoil down, Caitlin let her hands scrabble inside her pockets. Fuck. Nothing - and maybe because this outfit was from wardrobe. Huh. Her regular life didn't call for hoarding breath mints either. Not that she'd be opposed to kissing Harry on a regular basis - who was she kidding? She'd be damn delighted. But would Harry?

Cisco walked over and inspected the set, giving Tina a nod and clapping his hands to get Harry and Caitlin's attention. "First take in five minutes."

Caitlin broke into a coughing fit, waving off assistance. Her eyes watered and once her lungs behaved, she was able to see Harry discretely check his breath. Huh. He was worried too. This might not end in disaster.

The clapper board clapped and all at once professionalism reigned. Caitlin took refuge in knowing this was only a scene in a movie; written and made to entertain. This kiss was a plot point and it was merely her job and Harry's job to kiss. Simple.

"Danielle, what brings you here?"

Caitlin answered; "I still work here and I get to show up for work, just like you."

"Ah." So much acceptance and given with the merest hint of regret. Harry was a fine actor. He delivered his next line with the same smoothness. "But for me, it's work and a wee bit of pleasure."

Digging deep into her own reserve of professionalism, Caitlin spoke, "Now I know you're lying. Work is only pleasurable when it's finished." She made sure to smile widely. Oh god - the tension was too much already.

Harry moved closer.

Caitlin ignored the cameras as best she could, stomach churning as she watched Harry, no - right now he was Tom, get closer. She delivered her next line: "Work isn't enough to keep me happy."

"When you're right, you're right." One heartbeat, two, three - that's when Harry captured Caitlin's face in his warm hands and gave her the kiss of a lifetime; soft lips that gently caressed - pressing the exact perfect amount - and then stopping.

Smugness and a touch of wonder coloured Harry's next scripted response. "Was this enough?"

Caitlin set her hand against Harry's chest and pushed. "Do you want to hear the truth or something that makes you feel better?" Scowling, Caitlin fought against every inclination her body had towards grinning like a fool. "I can't do this."

"Cut!" Tina's strident voice shattered the mood and Caitlin thanked god - cameras or no cameras, her next honest impulse had been to haul on Harry and kiss him back.

Cisco barked out orders to the crew and everybody prepared for another take.

Once again the actors followed the script - emotions projected almost exactly the same and Tina yelled 'cut' after Caitlin's line of 'I can't do this.'

Caitlin gave Harry a shaky smile, stepping backward, as if that would erase such a hot kiss.

"Again!" Tina clapped her hands. "That was better, but I want more heat."

Iris pushed a fresh cup of coffee into Caitlin's lax grip. "Drink and tell me every glorious detail."

"I lost count after the sixth take." Caitlin yawned and mumbled, "It was only yesterday, but my lips are angry I haven't kissed him again since."

"Wow, that's something." Iris giggled and stopped, briefly ashamed. "You know what, good for you and your lips. Harry is damn sexy."

"Yeah, we've all got eyes, he's literal eye candy - but now I feel odd." Caitlin took a restorative sip of her coffee. "I can't get rid of the idea he might not have liked kissing me as much as I liked kissing him."

"Pfft. He's a man, ain't he?"

"Mmm, yes."

"You're an actor, he's an actor - and a job is a job." Iris hid her smile and kept watching Caitlin's face intently and was not disappointed.

Caitlin frowned, shaking her head. "Those were the best kisses of my life. It didn't feel like acting, it was… it was…I don't know, but not work."

"Okay, don't stress out over it." Iris patted Caitlin's hand. "It was for work and it's not like either of you added the kissing scene to the script."

"Yeah." Caitlin brightened a bit. "We act what we're given."

"Yup! What I wanna know is how do I get some hot make-out scenes given to me?"

Iris and Caitlin laughed uproariously.

Barry proudly pointed to the puppy printed on his t-shirt. "This is Pokey, isn't he the cutest?"

Julian grunted, Cisco smiled and only Harry answered with words. "Adorable. I take it you're keeping that one?"

"Yeah, I can't bear to part with the little guy." Barry fiddled with the straw of his drink, lowered his voice and asked, "How was the kissing scene yesterday?"

"I bet it was bloody magic." Julian slumped in his chair. "Caitlin is exactly my type."

Cisco looked pained. "Are we children or men? This -"

Harry leaned forward and kept his voice low but stern. "It was work and the work went fine - I'm not gonna talk about my friend like she's a piece of meat."

Dull red heat radiated from Julian's cheeks. "I didn't mean -"

"Yeah, yeah. Guys like you never mean anything." Harry shoved himself away from the table and left his food untouched.

"That went well." Cisco stole some food off Harry's plate. "He's gonna flip when he gets the next script change." Cisco called out after the actor, "Don't worry, I'll take care of your trash!"

"I should have a puppy party so you guys can meet all the puppies." Barry ignored the tense signals between Julian and Cisco, smiling happily at his private thoughts. "Like a baby shower…a puppy shower!"

"You had me at puppy party and lost me at puppy shower." Cisco shook his head and sighed. "Just tell people it's a party."

"Aw great! You guys'll come?" Barry looked down at his shirt and patted Pokey's image.

Julian shrugged. "Be sure to invite plenty of humans too."