A/N: Sorry this is a bit late. Updates will be scattered. But my goal is to get a chapter out a week. Let me know what you all think! Enjoy! :)

Chapter 13

Almost a month had passed since Felicity and Oliver had left Central City. Things quickly fell back into a normal rhythm. Barry and Caitlin had come to an agreement to have a movie night, just the tow of them, every Friday. Just like they used to when they were kids.

Their night would usually start around 5 or 6 and end around 10:30.

Things were normal between them. They teased one another while Caitlin made dinner. The pseudo-flirting was still ignored beyond the door of her apartment. Nudges and laughs exchanged between them never changed. The touches between them lingered longer and longer the more time they spent together. He would hold her hand during the movie or she would lean her head on his shoulder more often, even out in public. He would throw an arm over her shoulder and play with the hair he could reach. He liked playing with her hair. She did too. She very rarely went a day without ruffling up his hair on the top of his head. He never minded.

That night was no different than any other movie night they had, until Barry asked a question that changed their entire whole night.

"Are you sleeping with Eddie?"

She sputtered out a half choking reply. "What gave you that idea?" She scrunched her nose up at him.

He shrugged, "You guys are awfully close whenever we go to the bar. And he always offers to take you home."

"So, every time a guy, who by the way is your friend, asks to make sure I get home okay automatically means I'm sleeping with him?" She snapped.

"No, not every guy. Look I'm just saying you guys are close. And with all your previous bed partners," He paused, scrunching his eyebrows, "–just not with Eddie. I don't like it."

"You don't have to like it. That's not your place, Barry!" Her voice was sharp with anger.

"What do you mean?" He frowned. "We are best friends."

"I thought it was cute when you would get protective of me when guys would flirt with me. Then you admitted to being jealous of mine and Oliver's past. You wouldn't stop glaring at Jay when you walked in on us in a compromising position, which yes, I already thanked you for. Now you are accusing me of sleeping with Eddie! And you're telling me not to hang out with him?" She screamed in disbelief.

"Are you saying that you want to sleep with Eddie?" Barry questioned, following her lead and standing up from the couch.

"No, but I'm saying that if the opportunity comes to where a guy likes me and I like him back; you can't go acting like an overprotective boyfriend!"

"I'm trying to look out for you, Cait! And I don't think Eddie is good for you!"

"Ugh! Barry, you are missing the point! I don't want to date Eddie! Hell, we have only ever hung out when in the group. What I am saying is stop controlling every guy that comes into my life! You aren't my boyfriend, Barry!" Her eyes blurred with tears that refused to fall.

"You're right. I'm not. Sorry if I thought I could be someday." Barry's face fell at her words.

"You are the one in the relationship, Barry! Not me! You can't keep doing this to me. You flirt with me and get my hopes up and turn around and go back home to Iris! It's not fair to me!" She said as her tears began to fall.

Barry couldn't watch her cry, not when he caused her pain. He flinched at her words. They were true. He flirted with her and hoped he could be with her but always returned home to Iris, every night.

"I think we need some time apart for a while." Barry whispered as he turned, grabbed his jacket, not bothering to put it on as he headed for the door.

He glanced back only once to see Caitlin fall to the floor, hands covering her face as she cried her heart out. And it took every ounce of his being not to turn back to her, wrap his arms around her and never leave her again.

Barry headed straight home after he left Caitlin's house. He just wanted to shower and sleep. It was around 8:30, way earlier than he usually arrived home on Fridays. He was so distracted by his fight with Caitlin he didn't notice the familiar car outside his apartment. Iris had texted him earlier that she was going to bed early tonight. He quietly opened the front door without a sound. He heard quiet moaning and gasps coming from his bedroom. Silently he crept to the door, pushed it open and turned on the light.

Eddie was hunched over Iris, who was moaning so loud they didn't even notice his entrance.

"What the fuck is going on?!" Barry yelled, too shocked to understand anything.

Iris pushed Eddie off and out of her. "Barry! What are you doing here?!"

"I live here, Iris! This is my apartment!" He looked at them both in disgust. "Eddie, how? Why?!" Barry stumbled backwards. He had to get out of here before he said or did something he'd regret. All he saw was red. A burning fury consumed him. Not just the betrayal of Iris and Eddie but the fight that he and Caitlin had earlier. It was all just too much for him.

"Barry, wait! Let me explain!" Iris exclaimed rushing to throw something on.

"I don't want to hear it!"

"Barr, just hear us out, we didn't mean for this to happen." Eddie appeared out of the bedroom thankfully wearing pants. He reached a hand out placing it on Barry's shoulder to stop him from leaving.

Barry snapped. He lifted his fist, turned around and connected his fist to Eddie's jaw. Eddie staggered back, and Iris ran to Eddie's side as he fell.

"We are done, Iris. For good. Hope you are happy together." Barry breathed out in heavy, deep breaths. "Get your stuff out of my apartment by Monday." He seethed walking out of the apartment. He slammed the door before deciding on going to his dads.

In the last six hours Barry, had lost his best friend and his girlfriend.

He knew things with him and Iris weren't going to last. They have played this game for too long. He liked to think that their relationship could have been fixed but he wouldn't lie and say that he could see a future with Iris. He had thought about marriage a few times when they were serious but it never felt right. He felt a bit guilty when they started going out. Sure, he liked her but he knows that she would never compare to Caitlin. He really needed someone to fill the void that Caitlin left when she moved away. Iris was the perfect fit.

But now that Caitlin was back in his life, he may have been neglecting his girlfriend just a bit. But that still gives them no right to cheat on him, in his bed, in his apartment. And for how long? Barry wasn't sure he wanted to know. He had never cheated. He was always a faithful man. There may have been that one kiss with Caitlin when she first returned but since then, both had erected the boundaries between 'friends', 'best friends' and the 'something more' category. Other than that one kiss, he had never cheated.

He had loved Iris.

Barry sighed.

He needed to sleep this off.

He tossed the covers off his feet, before burrowing deeper into the spare bed at his father's house. Maybe this break up could be a good thing?

…

The next morning Barry glanced at his phone: 4 voicemails, 7missed calls, 12 text messages.

Rolling his eyes, he began browsing through them quickly while he ate cereal. Most were from Iris apologizing and begging him to understand her perspective of things. His anger began returning just thinking about what happened. Shaking his head he continued through the messages.

One voicemail was from Caitlin. This surprised him. They had just fought yesterday and had asked to take some time apart.

Why would she call?

With shaky hands, he clicked play.

"Hey, Barry. Look, I'm really sorry about the things I said last night. And I know you said we need some time apart. The thing is, Barry, I don't want t to be apart from you. I understand that you are with Iris right now and I respect that. But you are my best friend, Barry. I didn't move back to Central City just for my dream job at STAR Labs. I came back to be with you. Just... just call me back when you get this." She sighed, "I'm really sorry Barry. I-I lov..." She huffed in frustration. "Bye, Barry."

Sighing, he threw his phone onto the table and ran his fingers though his hair.

Caitlin didn't sleep at all last night. She was devastated when Barry walked out on her. They have fought before but never as severe to the point where he walked out on her. She knows she was just saying things to hurt him, but she was tired of playing this cat and mouse game with him.

She went to work dressed to perfection as always. Her hair was curled, make up was applied perfectly and her dress hugged her frame snuggly. She wore heals, as always. But even with her perfect attire her lack of smile caused the outfit to falter. Her red bracelet weighed heavy on her wrist.

Work was tiring on top of their fight. Her inner turmoil must have shown on her face. Cisco had given her a hug the moment she walked into the cortex. Cisco always seems to know what happens in their private lives.

Jay had been extremely persistent today, asking her to lunch, dinner, movie, and even to grab a drink after work. Obviously, you just can't take a hint. She just politely declined each offer. She wanted to go home as soon as possible. She was tired of Jay's lame attempts at flirting. She was tired of Cisco's sad smile he sent her way every time he caught her playing with her bracelet. She was tired of the constant twitch her fingers had to check her phone to see if he called. She was just so damn tired!

When the clock struck five, she began packing her things and heading home. Pulling into the parking garage, she took a deep breath and just sat in her car, clearing her thoughts for a few moments. She silently walked up the stairs to the third floor. The moment she opened the door to her floor she felt eyes on her. Familiar, piercing, green eyes belonging to a face that never left her mind today, and most days if she was being honest.

Gasping out loud, "Barry." She murmured.

He opened his arms. And she ran to him.

Throwing her arms around his neck she held onto him tight. His arms wound around her waist holding her steady against him. She was glad he was here; she didn't know why he was but she was glad.

"Hey, Cait." He said, trying to keep a steady voice until they were somewhere more private.

"What's wrong?" She asked pulling away and taking his face into her hands, "You look pale, what happened?"

"Can we talk inside?" He swallowed, motioning towards the door.

"Ah! Yes!" She fumbled with her keys. "Come in! Come in."

He sat down on her couch. His head in his hands, "I went home and found Iris cheating on me with Eddie."

"Oh my God! Barry!" She reached out to hold him and he hesitated for just a second before allowing her to hold him.

They held each other for what felt like hours as Barry cried out his pain. Caitlin ended up shedding a few tears too, not just for her best friend but for herself as well. She hated seeing Barry like this. She wanted to hate Iris too, for doing this to him. She just wanted to protect Barry from further pain. She just pulled him in tighter.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Caitlin asked quietly as he pulled away, though she was reluctant to let him go.

There really isn't much to say. She texted me earlier, told me she was going to bed erly, so I was quiet when I entered my apartment and then I opened the bedroom door and they were having sex. I ended up punching Eddie." Caitlin released a small gasp of surprise but Barry continued recounting, needing to get this out. "I told Iris to move her things out of my apartment by Monday. I don't know how long it has been going on or why they even did this in the first place. I was their friend."

She picked up his hand and held between her shaky hands. Taking a deep breath, "Sometimes people can't deny what they feel. Sometimes they can't fight it anymore, even if it is wrong. Sometimes they just act. It doesn't excuse their actions because they still end up hurting the people they love." She lifted his chin, urging him to look at her. "I'm sorry that this happened to you Barry, I don't like seeing you so broken."

He nodded his head, his eyes never leaving hers.

Can I stay here tonight? I don't really want to go back there in case she is still there."

"You really think I would let you leave?" She joked trying to lighten the mood. She kissed his cheek. "I'll find some extra clothes for you to borrow." She said getting up from the couch.

He caught her wrist before she got too far away and pulled her back to him. She landed on his lap as his arms wrapped around her slim waist. She was still dressed for work. Her tight dress slipped up her thighs as she straddled his waist.

"Thank you for everything, Cait. I'm sorry for everything that happened between us yesterday." He mumbled into her neck. Her hands found their way to his hair, massaging his scalp with her nails.

"It's okay, Barr. I wasn't mad at you. Just frustrated at the situation. I'm here now. We have each other now. I got you." He pulled away slightly enough to look her in the eyes.

"Cait." His voice was rough from crying. His eyes glanced down to her lips before he leaned forward. Her hand found his shoulder pushing him away.

No, Barr." She smiled sadly at him. "You are hurting. You need time. Rushing into things isn't going to help. It's going to makes things confusing and you are just going to end up angry at yourself." She gave him a quick peck on his lips. "Give yourself time to heal."

She pulled herself up off his lap. Heels clacking against the floor as she walked towards her bedroom.

She changed into her usual bedtime attire. One of Barry's shirts that she had stolen year earlier and some light pajama shorts. She grabbed another on of Barry's larger T-shirts and some sweatpants that belonged to Oliver at one point.

"Here you go. Don't know if the T-shirt will fit you anymore. But the sweatpants are Ollie's. It's all I have that would fit you."

"Thanks, Cait." He mumbled taking the close and heading towards the bathroom to change.

"What do you want to eat? I think I have the ingredients for spaghetti?" She asked through the door. He laughed. "Only if I can help!"

She smiled. He seems better.

A knock came from her front door.

She walked over looking through the peephole. Shock and surprised filled her, and a little bit of anger as well.

Caitlin opened the door trying to catch her breath.

"Iris what are you doing here?"

"I came looking for Barry. Is he here? I really need to talk to him." She asked stretching her neck to peer behind Caitlin.

Caitlin pushed her out of the apartment closing the door behind her as she stepped out into the hallway. Folding her arms across her chest, "Iris, Barry isn't here. We got into an argument yesterday, he stormed off and I haven't seen him since. What happened?" Caitlin half lied. She wanted to see what Iris would say to her.

"Oh. Barry and I broke up. He... umm... he kind of caught me and Eddie together." She seemed distraught. "Look if you see him, can you tell him I need to talk to him?"

"I'll let him know." Caitlin replied.

Just as Caitlin pulled the door open and inch a voice broke the tension between the two women.

"Caitlin?" A muffled man's voice could be heard coming from the other side of the door.

"Who was that?" Iris questioned taking a step towards her door. Caitlin jumped in between Iris and the door.

"I have a guy over. He doesn't want to meet friends and family yet. I should get back in there. Bye Iris!"

Caitlin pulled the door open just enough to squeeze into her apartment.

"Bye." Iris mumbled out loud. That sounded like Barry. She shook her head of her thoughts.

Caitlin snuck back inside locking the door and running over to Barry shoving her hand over Barry's mouth. He stumbled back in surprise, his back hit the wall. Caitlin pushed closer to his body, her head still pointed in the direction of her front door. They stood there like that for around five minutes. Barry's hands found their way to her waist, pulling her closer.

"She should be gone by now." Caitlin said removing her hand from Barry's mouth; revealing a smirk dancing on his lips.

"Who?" Barry drawled, his hands still on her waist.

"Iris," She said pulling away from him entirely, "She wanted to know if you were here. I told her no and that I was entertaining a guest that didn't want to meet friends and family."

His expression darkened briefly before returning to the smirk he previously had. Barry chose to focus on the fact she was 'entertaining a guest' instead of the fact that Iris was looking for him.

"I usually prefer dinner first, Dr. Snow." He replied his voice husky and deep.

She blushed, "Well then, let's makes some!" She looked up at him smiling. She was proud he was teasing her instead of brooding. She gets enough of that from Oliver, she doesn't need any more from Barry.

He was stunned momentarily by her reply. His smirk faded into a genuine smile. "I call the noodles!" He ran into the kitchen.

"Barry, you over-cooked the noodles last time!"

"That was years ago, I've learned a thing or two. Besides, I like your sauce, it's special!" He already had the package of noodles on the counter when she walked into the kitchen.

"Barry, it's normal sauce. There is nothing special about it."

"Hmm... must be the cook making it then." He threw a wink over his shoulder.

Caitlin let out a laugh.

Together they made dinner laughing and smiling like old times. They both had a lot to deal with in the morning and the days to come but as long as they had each other, they felt they could take on the world.