Laces ↠ The Flash S1 {b.a.}

fastest man alive

(song of the chapter: infinity by One Direction)

"Hello? Anyone home?" Lauren called as she entered her childhood home. Even though she had an apartment of her own, she couldn't resist coming back to the place where she grew up at least once a week.

"In the kitchen!" Cooper answered as she made her way back, immediately being struck by an amazing aroma.

"Darcy, you've got to stop making food. At this rate I'm not gonna be able to fit into anything." Lauren chuckled as she pulled her brother's girlfriend into a hug.

"Hey Lauren," Darcy greeted as she turned away from the stove to hug the brunette, "don't you look snazzy today."

"Thanks. Iris has me going to the Simon Stagg ceremony this afternoon and it requires formal attire." She answered as she stole a piece of bacon from the plate next to the stove.

"Gross," Cooper grunted as he continues to devour his pancakes, "I don't care who this guy is, I would've shown up in jeans and a t-shirt."

"Mhm, well I actually have a reputation to keep up in this town Coop, so it's a sacrifice I'll have to make." Lauren chuckled as she wiped the oil off her hands.

"Hey! I have a reputation in this town! I'm the record holder for the fastest pie eaten at Suzy's."

"Oh how could I forget that," Lauren laughed as she ruffled her brother's hair before glancing up at the clock, "yikes, I didn't realize how late it was. I'd better head out, Barry's probably waiting for me at the station. Bye guys!"

"Have fun suffering at your ceremony!" Cooper yelled as his little sister shot him an unamused face and ran out the door.

"You two will be the death of each other." Darcy giggled as she placed her last pan in the sink and made herself comfortable on Cooper's lap.

"Rather me than anyone else."

•~•~•~•

"Good morning Ms. Anderson."

"Lauren! Long time no see sweetheart."

"Morning Ms. Lauren."

Lauren smiled to all of the officers she passed as she made her way to her father's office. Being the only daughter of the Captain of Police had this effect, but she always responded with a bright smile and often made conversation with them. If her father had to deal with them on a daily basis, there was no reason she couldn't either.

"Hey Daddy," the brunette smiled as she entered her father's office and gave him a hug from behind his chair, "how's the new case going for you?"

"It's going, Princess." The older man chuckled as he closed his file and held one of her hands that was wrapped around him. "Have you talked to Barry today by any chance?"

"No, not since last night. Why? Is he okay?" She questioned, immediately feeling her heart pick up its pace. She was extremely cautious around him since the accident, and she had all the reason to be; He got struck by lightning as soon as she left him, and who wouldn't feel a little paranoid?

"He was late again this morning and I was just checking if you knew anything. He hasn't been himself these past few days." Captain Anderson sighed as he rubbed his face. He didn't want to have to fire the boy, but this acting up couldn't keep going in like this.