Our Broken Pieces

4

"So how has the vow renewal planning been going? No Nazis or surprise double weddings this time right? Felicity and Oliver are still married right?" Caitlin joked trying to break up the silence as she and Iris walked through Central City Mall.

"Good and hopefully," Iris replied, "We already have a venue booked."

"Hmm," Caitlin replied trying to seem interested in the conversation.

"Okay," Iris stopped in front of Caitlin setting her shopping bag down. "This really shouldn't feel all that awkward. What's wrong with us, we've known each other for 4 years."

Maybe it's because my child is technically genetically your husband's, Caitlin thought. In complete truth, Caitlin didn't want to break apart Barry and Iris. But them finding out about her relationship with Savitar and Melony would start a spiral of events, Caitlin wanted to avoid.

"I don't know," Caitlin started thinking of an excuse to explain her awkward silence. "I mean... we never really did talk a lot in Star Labs, or out as a matter of fact. We've usually only seen each other because of Barry."

"Oh, I never really thought of that..." Iris replied realizing the truth in Caitlin's words. It was true that on the occasions Iris and Caitlin were together, it was always under circumstances of saving the world or saving Barry. Iris had always thought of Caitlin as a friend, but they never really had chances to be friends. "I guess we should try and change that then," Iris said, "what better way to start then with a mini girls day?"

Caitlin smiled, "sounds great." Besides Ramona, Caitlin never did have many girlfriends.

As long as they don't find out about Mel, everything will be fine, Caitlin thought, before she and Iris continued their mall day.

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-West House-

Caitlin and Iris entered the front door laughing, carrying a handful of shopping bags.

"Jeez," Cisco remarked, "did you guys buy the whole mall?"

"Yeah, Iris honey," Barry started, "how much did you spend?"

"Not too much, baby," Iris replied vaguely, setting down her bags. "What's for dinner?"

"Grandma Ester's famous pad thai," Joe said entering the room next to Cecile, from the kitchen. "Oh," he said in the middle of his tracks. "Caitlin?"

"Yeah," she replied, "it's a long story..."

"One we can explain during dinner," Cisco said jumping into the dining room. "Let's eat."

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"Soo... Frost is gone or...." Joe asked, serving plates of pad thai around the table.

"No, Joe I promise," Caitlin answered, "I mean I can still use my powers, but no I'm not Killer Frost. And I'm sorry for everything last year."

"I accept your apology, Caitlin," Joe replied, and Cecile agreed.

"So Caitlin where have you been for the past year?" Cecile asked.

"Well I've actually been working as a bartender in Midway, trying to pay my bills," she replied. It was the truth.

"Really, a girl with two doctorates and a PhD working in a bar?" Cisco exclaimed.

"Well, I got to pay rent somehow," Caitlin replied.

"Well you still always have a place here, Caitlin," Barry joined in.

"Yeah... I know," Caitlin replied, with no clear acceptance of the indirect offer to come back permanently.

"So what news have I missed about Team Flash over the past year?" Caitlin asked, switching subjects. "You know besides the whole Flash is back stuff."

The dinner continued just as any other get together Team Flash had had before the events of the past year, family-like, friendly, and as usual comedic with Cisco's occasional quips. But Barry couldn't help but notice the distance Caitlin kept from him, but he didn't think too much of it.

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Short chapter, I know. But more is to come.

Thank you so much for reading.

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