Alter Egos

Five Times

Description: Five times Caitlin met Barry on the S.T.A.R. Labs rooftop.

Just an idea I had and it turned into this. It was fun to write in little snippets like this.

...

Caitlin inhaled the cold, damp air as a breeze swept over her. She stood, silently looking out across the city and listening to the ambient sound of the soft rainfall.

Recently, she had discovered how peaceful the S.T.A.R labs' rooftop was. The lab itself used to be peaceful, but these days it was more crowded and noisy. Which was fine, they really did need all the help they could get, but somedays it just became too much. Today was one of those days, and the roof offered Caitlin solace. Offered her a wide-open space with fresh air, and a wonderful view. It was a temporary escape, and Caitlin was happy for it.

She felt the tension begin to slowly ebb from her shoulders, while she absently studied the small puddles forming on the concrete. It was one of those gray rainy days, but not a muggy uncomfortable one. It was light and breezy, the air permeated with the smell of fresh rain. The atmosphere was calming and peaceful, exactly what she had needed to escape the tense environment inside. Caitlin knew she would need to go back eventually, but for now, she would simply enjoy it.

At some point, she registered someone else's presence on the roof. Caitlin knew who it was immediately, she could tell by the way his footsteps sounded or the way he carried himself.

"It's pretty chilly out here, you're going to catch a cold." Barry chided, as he stepped up beside her.

It was strange to hear him say that, mostly because she was used to chiding him about his health.

"It doesn't bother me." She replied quietly.

"Okay, Elsa," He teased.

"You know I hate that nickname," She glanced at him, there was no bite to her words, only a hint of playfulness.

"I know," he answered with a small chuckle, "You froze Cisco's car the last time he called you that."

Caitlin couldn't help but smile a little at the memory. A comfortable silence settled on the roof as the pair took in the view before them.

"I'm sorry," Barry eventually spoke up.

"It's okay," Caitlin replied, knowing what he was talking about.

"Still," he continued quietly, "It wasn't fair for you and Cisco to get caught in between one of our screaming matches."

Caitlin had to admit, it hadn't been pleasant, being around for heated arguments never was. But she still didn't want Barry to feel any worse than he probably already did.

"Barry, it's alright," she assured, giving him an understanding look.

"Besides, it's kinda beautiful out." She added.

He nodded ever so slightly, growing quiet. Another breeze washed over them, lightly ruffling the jacket Caitlin wore.

"She wants a divorce." Barry blurted, his voice barely a whisper.

Caitlin stood in stunned silence for a moment or two.

"I'm sorry." She answered, matching his tone.

Because, what else was there to say? She had been dealing with the Barry and Iris fiasco for a few years now, it had always been a little difficult to predict. And at the end of the day, it had always been none of Caitlin's business.