The Great Possibility

Chapter 3: Actions and Consequences Pt 1

As Barry's return brighten most of Team Flash, more so for a certain auburn-haired doctor/icy-eyed meta, his fiancé wasn't happy he left or the fact that he got out of his funk because of Caitlin. Jealousy, pride was overcoming her. She knew these emotions would have its consequences, but she fully embraced it. She was going to paint Caitlin as the monster, not knowing she was becoming one. Since his return, she was pushing Barry slightly away and towards Caitlin. On her first day, she wanted an apology for leaving her, for not thinking about her. Barry had changed. 60 years would do that to anyone. He would not make the same mistakes anymore. He knew he did not want to take her shit attitude now, after spending so long in the Speedforce, so he would always be busy or try to busy. Ever since things hadn't been good. She never wanted him back, even though she claimed to "love" him. The tension only grew she went after Frost and Cait. He would never forgive himself for abandoning her, resulting in her joining Savitar, going power crazy. He vowed to spend the rest of his days to make it up for her.

He walked into the cortex after work, thankfully Singh had let him return after his sabbatical. He sighs seeing Iris in Cisco's seat, knowing he had to deal with her sooner rather than later.

"Why do you keep coming back here given that I'm back already?" He said as Cisco and Caitlin walked in and joined them.

"I'm the team leader. This has been my job since you left for 6 months". Huffing, not liking his tone or the audience in the room.

"Since when are you the team leader? I left Cisco in charge. He's like the Obi-Wan to my Qui-Gon but without the beards or lightsabers. He doesn't use the force, but his vibe power kinda makes him have the ability to force push people. I left him in charge because I trusted him to look after the city and help train Wally." Cisco put his hand on his chest, overwhelmed by how much fate his best friend had in him. He was more overwhelmed by the Jedi references. He walked over and gave Barry a hug and a fist dump afterwards. Caitlin smiled at this interaction. She felt happy that she's getting their best friend back, things going back to the way it was before it had gone to shit. Iris, however, got more annoyed Barry.

"See? He acts like a child. You too. Now, I need you to patrol the city."

"I'm sorry. Since when are you giving me orders? I'm back. The Flash. Actual team leader. So instead of patrolling the city, I'm going to train or patrol when I want."

Walking off, not dealing with this crap. Cisco tried to hold the snicker from exploding, ultimately failing. Barry had stood up for himself and his friend, for the first time in a long time. Iris glared at him, clearly not expecting him to do that all at. Things were already tense between them, but this just escalated it. She was angry none the lest. If this would be a cartoon, she would be red in the face and then steam would be coming out of her ears as she saw Caitlin go after him. She stormed off, leaving the Cortex as Cisco grinned.

Caitlin saw how the interaction had pained him although she was confused about Barry's change in behaviour. He never stood up to Iris before and the pain he showed, it was one of disappointment rather than fighting with a loved one. She had found him in the speed lab, training but coming to a stop shortly before she entered. He had his hand on his hip, constantly turning around like he had something on his mind. She knew it was something as he then held his head in his hand, looking frustrated beyond belief.

She sat down asking what was wrong.

"Cait, there are a few things wrong. Ever since coming back, I have not told anyone about what I experienced. But I need to get this off my chest and I know you are always there for me. Even when I was not. I'm truly sorry for my actions. I'll make it up to you for the rest of my days if I have to."

Cait's heart fluttered. Rest of his days? Maybe he didn't mean it or didn't know what he's saying, she thought to herself.

"Barry, it's fine. If anything, it should be me who should apologise. I went through the whole dark side phase. I feel guilty about it."