Linda's Surprise Announcement

Part 2

Disclaimer: I own nothing but what you see here!

Summary: After things are settled down with Atom Smasher, Barry and Linda have an important talk.

A nervous looking Barry Allen could be seen making his way into Central City Picture News and the first to naturally spot him would be one Iris West as he looked about for one particular individual. "Hey Bear! What brings you by?" Greeted Iris with a happy smile on her face.

Gladdened to see her best friend once again within the halls of CCPN for the first time in awhile. Linda from her table tried not to react to her friend's words but she really hoped Barry might be there to talk with her. Barry smiled back, glad that things weren't so strained anymore, even if it had been because of him to some degree. "Hey, Iris, uhh, is Linda here? Need to talk to her about something."

Iris stared at him for a moment as once again, Linda tried not to react. A smile then spread across Barry's long time best friend's face. "Oh ho, deciding to try things again with our best Sports Reporter are we?" She asked teasingly.

"Uhh, no, no, just need to, you know, talk with her is all. About something important, like I said before." Barry replied a bit awkwardly and causing Iris' smile to widen as that response was so not all that believable!

"You didn't say that part before."

"I, I didn't? I'm pretty sure I did."

"Mmm, Pretty sure you didn't, but to put you out of your misery, the head that's not up over there would be Linda." Iris helpfully pointed out much to Barry's relief.

"Thanks, Iris." He replied and she nodded at him before he took off for Linda.

Good luck, Bear.

Seeing him coming towards her out of the corner of her eye, Linda tried to look like she was working instead of not working considering she'd been a bit focused on his and Iris' conversation. Not to mention ignoring the fluttering of her insides as his being there could either go good or bad. And she hoped it was more the first then the second one. "Hey… Linda, you got a minute?" Came his hesitant voice.

Looking up towards him and his hopeful look, she gave a nod. "For you? I've got more then a minute." Linda told him with a smile and seeing how relieved he looked moments later.

"Gr-Great, can uhh, can we do this outside?"

"Sure, and hey, just because I'm… You know, doesn't mean I'm not capable of getting up on my own." Informed the Sports Reporter a few seconds after her initial response when she saw him make the attempt to try and help her up.

Her words making him look a bit contrite and apologetic as she struggled somewhat to get out of her chair. The two made their way outside, ignoring the curious glances of the others present, especially Iris' little smirk as she watched the two of them leave the building. Once they were away from prying eyes, the two stared at one another awkwardly. "So/Umm." Began both at the same time.

Causing chuckles to happen over their awkward timing. "You go first." Offered Linda kindly.

"R-Right, first… Umm… I just, I just want to apologize."

"For what?"

"For basically being an ass to you back at the Precinct for one. For another, running off like I did after you told me, well, what you told me." He admitted in shame with his head down.

Linda looked at him and placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it. "Barry, I understand, okay? You weren't exactly in a great place and I only made it worse when I chose to tell you my news. Which should have waited for another time. So you're forgiven. And hopefully, you can forgive me for piling that on your plate."

His head shot up with a shocked expression on his face while feeling relieved by her words. "Of course I do! Why wouldn't I?"

"Guilty conscience and all that for me." She admitted with a small shrug.

Barry chuckled with a shake of the head as he understood what Linda was getting at. "Come here..." He told her gently as he opened his arms.

A hug was had between the two of them and if Linda was being honest with herself, she really didn't want to be out of his arms either. "So, what now?" Asked the Sports Reporter curiously after reluctantly pulling away.

"Uhh, not sure. But I do know I want to be part of our baby's life as much as I can. And if you want, I can introduce you to my doctor since this is kinda like new ground in a way with our baby."

She couldn't help but smile at her ex when he said 'our' twice, practically making her feel giddy on the inside. "So the mighty Flash has his own doctor huh?" Linda asked him teasingly.

Finding it instantly cute when he looked a bit bashful over that as he rubbed the back of his head and even blushing lightly. "Yeah, she happens to be my singing partner too." He told her with a small grin.

"You two definitely need to come back to the bar for another song or two."

"Unless Caitlin can find a way to get me drunk, then no way." Barry replied adamantly with a slight shudder.

Linda couldn't help but pout at that. "Well, maybe you can sing for our kid then so he or she can hopefully have that amazing singing voice of yours."

"Now that? I can do that." Responded Barry with a nod and making her smile.

The two stared at one another for a moment, pleased with how things had gone on until the moment was interrupted by her editor, telling her she was needed inside. "R-Right, umm… So I'll swing by later and we can see Caitlin once you're off?" He asked nervously.

"Sounds good to me."

A shared smile was had between them, along with another hug before she went back inside, leaving him by himself while he still continued to smile. Barry then sped off, eager to see what the night ahead brought him where Linda and their baby was concerned!

Author's Notes: Hope folks enjoyed!