Alter Egos

No More Secrets

Description: Barry and Caitlin have a much-needed conversation. They end up coming to an agreement.

Set during 'Death of the Vibe.'

...

Caitlin's heart was pounding in her chest, a familiar adrenaline coursing through her veins. Needless to say, her state of mind was a stark contrast to the quiet and empty lab that surrounded her. Her hands shook slightly as she wrote down the final words of the message meant only for her.

Caitlin come find me; the words read. It wasn't just a message, it was hope. The doctor let out a heavy exhale, a myriad of emotions hitting her at once. She wanted to cry and scream and shout for joy. She wanted to get up and pace the room, or stay up all night until she found the answers she was looking for.

However, Caitlin's thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. It was soft and unassuming, but it was still enough to startle the doctor in her current agitated state. She jumped at the sudden noise, eyes darting to the door in an instant.

"Hey, I was just wondering..." Barry began, only to trail off once he caught sight of her expression.

"Is everything okay?" He questioned, his posture stiffening and his eyes filling with worry.

"Everything's fine," Caitlin assured softly, her racing heart beginning to slow. "You just startled me, that's all."

Barry nodded slowly and carefully, moving farther inside the room.

"What are you working on?" He inquired curiously, walking up beside her.

"It's just something kind of personal," Caitlin admitted curtly, already starting to fold up her notes.

Barry nodded once more, a heavy silence blanketing the room. She stood from her seat and began to gather up all the papers in a neat stack. Barry seemed to shift on his feet awkwardly, unsure of how to continue. Which was fine with Caitlin, he had his own issues and problems to deal with, she didn't need to drag him into her own. Caitlin moved to walk away, but Barry's voice halted her.

"Cait, are you sure you're okay," he spoke up, an unreadable tinge to his voice.

"Of course," Caitlin replied as she turned back. "Why wouldn't I be," she added a shrug for emphasis.

"Because the last time you went to see your mother it was because you were developing powers," Barry answered, running a hand over the back of his neck.

She understood now.

"I can assure you," Caitlin began tightly, her voice coming out harder than she meant it to, "it has nothing to do with Killer Frost."

Caitlin took a brisk step to walk away, a bit hurt. Some days it was hard not to feel like she was wanted only for her skills or abilities.

"No, that's not what I meant," Barry moved forward as she moved away, his tone almost pleading.

Caitlin stopped, but Barry didn't until he was standing firmly in front of her.

"My point is," he started, ducking his head to catch her gaze, "the last time you went to see your mom it was because you were dealing with something that nobody else knew about."

"I just don't want to make the same mistakes again," he admitted, briefly casting his eyes to the floor. "You're my friend, you can talk to me."

Caitlin's eyes softened a bit, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"Thank you," she began quietly, "but you already have your own problems to worry about. It's alright, really," she spoke, reaching out and giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.