Broken Together

Fifteen

The police station is the same as it's always been. A number of cops and detectives going about their day with coffees in hand, criminals are being put into the system after an arrest, the sound of computer keys and phones ringing mix with the sounds of talking and laughing amongst them. But this isn't the case for Barry. He locks himself away in his office as his only concern is his case and Caitlin. The lack of sleep and tears shed is clear in his red eyes. He massages his forehead as his focus of the case switches to his thoughts of Caitlin. He looks over at the framed picture on his desk and pinches the bridge of his nose to stop himself from crying. 

"Allen?" the Captain calls from behind the close door.

Barry lets out a heavy sigh, "Yes sir?"

"You have a visitor," he calls out before leaving.

Barry's head perks up as he races to the door. His disappointment clear on his face when he reveals the person behind the door. "What are you doing here?"

Cisco brushes past him and into his office, "Have you heard from Caitlin?" he rambles, playing with his fingers nervously.

"Well hello to you too," Barry sighs in annoyance. He rubs his eyes as he looks over at his uninvited visitor, "What do you want?"

He rolls his eyes and gives him a look, this is when he actually notices Barry's appearance. "Dude, you look awful."

"Gee, thanks" Barry replies sarcastically before snapping at Cisco. "Why are you here? I figured you would be with," he lets a soft sigh leave his lips, "with Caitlin."

"That's why I'm here," he breathes, "I went by the house since I hadn't heard from her and she wasn't there." Confusion fills Barry's face and Cisco continues. "Her car was there but the house seemed empty. I knocked, rang the doorbell, and looked through the windows - she never answered. I tried calling her but it went straight to voicemail. I'm worried, Barry."

Barry quickly grabs his keys and heads for the door, "Follow me to the house." Cisco nods his head as the pair leave. Many thoughts are running through his head; he tries to remain positive and figures Caitlin is deeply asleep and her phone is dead. These are the things that keep him hopeful. As he gets to the house, he fumbles with his keys as he frantically tries to open the door. "Caitlin?" he calls out as he searches. Each room - empty. 

"Anything?" Cisco yells as he enters the house.

Barry remains quiet as he looks around their bedroom. Something catches his eye as he walks over to their closet. "No..." he gasps at the half-empty hangers and rushes to her drawers to see the same result. He cups his forehead, "This... this can't be happening." Cisco pulls his attention as he calls from the kitchen.

"Hey, I found something and I think you need to read it," he says after reading over a note on the counter. As Barry appears, Cisco shoves the paper at him, "This is all your fault. Now the rest of us have to suffer from your actions." 

Barry quickly reads over the notes and tears start to build up after each word.

Dear Barry, 

I thought it over and the best thing for us right now is separation. I need some time away from you and everyone here. I decided I needed to leave and found a place to stay in the meantime. Please don't come after me, I need time... This really broke me. You really hurt me and I need to think things over if there will ever be a future for us. Goodbye Barry.

Barry shakes his head, refusing to accept it. At of anger, Cisco pushes him knocking him off his feet. "She is my best friend! Now because of your stupid mistake, I might not see her ever again!"