In A Blink ? Barry Allen/The Flash

02.

Natalie couldn't contain her laughter through his speech, "Wow I guess this really was the right place. But what's a flash?"

"The Flash-"

"Cisco!" Caitlin said as she approached the table. She put on a smile and then gave a glare in Cisco's direction, "What were you two talking about?" Cisco shrunk in his seat, trying to hide from Caitlin's glare.

"Oh! Cisco was talking about Central City being home to a flash. Is that some sort of local sports team you have here?" Natalie said as she looked between Cisco and Caitlin.

Caitlin and Cisco looked at each other before Cisco opened his mouth, only to be interrupted yet again by Caitlin.

"Barry! You're late." Caitlin said while crossing her arms at someone behind Natalie.

Natalie turned around in her seat to look at who Caitlin was talking about. She saw a tall, young man approaching their table as he ran his hand through his short brown hair. Instantly he took Natalie's breath away, which she thought was silly. How in the world could someone do that?

"I am so sorry guys. I was helping Eddie with a case and we lost track of time," he said as he stood next to Caitlin. His soft green eyes settled on Natalie, instantly making her wriggle in insecurity in her seat and push her hair behind her ears, "Is this your cousin, Caitlin? It's Natalie right?"

Natalie looked back up from the table and nodded her head yes. "Well I'm Barry Allen and I'm sorry for being late to your "Welcome to Central City" get-together," he said with chuckle as he grabbed a chair from another table and sat it next to her.

Natalie waved it off and smiled, "It's fine. Cisco here was just talking about this Flash in the city,"

Barry's smile fell from his face and changed to one of worry right after he shot a look at Cisco, "Oh. Was he now..."

"Natalie, Flash is not a sports team. It's really nothing," Caitlin started while finally taking a seat.

Barry seemed taken aback, "Well, I don't think he's nothing,"

Cisco cleared his throat before getting up and slowly walking away, "I'm just gonna go..and..get us some coffee."

"Wait. It's a he?" Natalie asked while glancing between her cousin and Barry.

"Barry! There you are and it seems like Caitlin did find you," a young woman said as she smiled at him. Both Caitlin and Barry sighed in relief, the latter seeming especially happy at the stranger's presence.

"Iris, hey," Barry said as he pulled her into a hug.

"I'm sorry I don't know how you are," Iris said as she looked at Nat.

Natalie smiled in response. "It's fine and I would be surprised if you did know me. I just moved to Central City. Natalie Reed," she said as she held out her hand.

Iris took it and they shook hands, "Iris West. Well, welcome to Central City. You already seem to know Barry and Caitlin."

"We just met," Barry said quickly and stood up to give Iris his seat.

Caitlin put her hands on Nat's shoulders as she moved to stand behind her, "Natalie here is my cousin."

Iris smiled and raised her eyebrows, "Cousins huh? Are you in the same field as Caitlin here, Natalie?"

"What being a brainiac? No. Not by a long shot," Natalie said with a laugh as Cisco came over with the drinks.

"I've got one for Natalie, one for Caitlin, Barry, and one for me. Oh Iris! Hey." Cisco said as he handed out the drinks and looked down at the empty cup holder, "I don't have one for you."

"That's fine Cisco. Here, take mine," Barry said as he gave Iris his drink and dashed to the counter to get his own drink.

Natalie laughed at his awkwardness but felt a little disappointed. He w!as really cute but he seemed to be already taken.

"So umm, Iris," Natalie started while taking a sip of her drink, "You and Barry huh?"

Iris looked confused then started laughing, "You think me and Barry are.. No. Not at all. Barry's my foster brother. Besides, I already have a boyfriend. His name's Eddie Thawne or as I used to call him, detective pretty boy."

Natalie felt a little bit happier after hearing that from Iris. After a while of everyone sipping their drinks, both Cisco and Caitlin's phone buzzed as soon as Barry came back with another drink.

"I'm so sorry Nat but we have to go. I'll call you later okay? Work and all," Caitlin said as she grabbed her bag and hugged her cousin goodbye.

"Until we meet again my fair Nat," Cisco said with a little bow before being pulled away by Caitlin causing Natalie to laugh.

"Well I should probably get going too. Duty calls." Barry said while checking his phone as well and pulling on his jacket.

"I'll see you later Iris. And it was really nice meeting you Natalie," Barry said with a smile and dashed out the door, leaving Natalie and Iris at the table alone.

"Well, how about I take you on a mini tour of the city." Iris said while gathering up her things.

"Umm yeah. That actually sounds great," Natalie replied, scrambling up as well.

"Great," Iris said with a smile and led the way out the doors. Natalie grabbed her cup of coffee before following her and leaving Jitters in her wake.