Note: Here's another update, since I left it on a cliffie ;). Made it to 10 chapters! Anyway, loved all your responses, some things will come to fruition soon. Iris is still working on her forgiveness, but she is talking to Barry and her dad now, although things have changed. Iris has changed. Anyway, thanks for reading x

Seeing Barry, the pain Iris felt intensified and her eyes started to glisten. He looked terrible. The shadows under his eyes were like permanent bruises, his face looked withdrawn, but what hit her in the gut was the look in his eyes. They were lifeless, a small spark lit was lit when he saw, but was quickly filled with wariness.

Iris did not know how to feel. Seeing that they both were suffering as well didn't bring her any comfort now that her anger had mostly dissipated. Her unbidden tears trembled on the corner of her eyes as she continued staring at Barry.

Iris hardly noticed that her dad had excused himself quietly and soon they were left alone facing each other.

Not being able to contain her emotion any longer a soft gasp escaped as she took a breath, not realising she had been holding her breath. Those trembling drops now fell freely and she couldn't help the sobs that wracked her body. Instantly she was wrapped up in a strong embrace and her head fell forward on the offered chest. Wrapping her arms around the much thinner frame, feeling wet droplets fall on top of her head. Pushing back to look up at him, his eyes are closed, but they open slowly when she moves.

"Barry, have you been eating?"

Barry started shaking and Iris looked at him concerned until she realised that he was laughing with his face wet with tears.

"Wha… why –"

In the gaps between his laugh, Iris managed to hear his response. "That's… the first… thing… you say to me."

Iris gave a small chuckle then looked serious again. "Barry I think you're losing it."

Barry sobered up a little bit. "I think I am. But is this real? You're really - ouch. Okay, it's real. Did you have to pinch me?" Finally collecting himself, Barry looked at her earnestly. "Iris, I'm so sorry for all the pain that I've caused, it was idiotic of me to hide who I am from you of all people."

"Barry, I know that you're sorry. I always knew that. And yes it was idiotic. I was angry and a small part of me is still a little mad. But. Anger is a lonely companion and it's kind of depressing." Wanting to address an insecurity that had imbedded itself over the weeks, she had to ask. "We're still friends, right, Barry?"

The look on Barry's face was of complete shock with a flicker of pain in his eyes. "Of course Iris. I… I know I've been distant and we haven't spoken properly in a long time, but you will always be my best friend and I lo- I couldn't imagine a life without you. I mean this past month has been torture."

Iris nodded slowly, gazing into his eyes, recognising that everyone had been suffering. She saw Barry's wide-eyed earnestness and thought about how everything had changed. She didn't know how things were going to be like between them now. For once she didn't know what to do. Suddenly feeling really awkward, she realised how close they were standing and took a step back. She had never had this feeling with Barry before.

A quiet clearing of the throat brought her attention to her dad standing next to the dining table.

"Are you staying for dinner?"

Iris glanced at Barry before returning her gaze to her dad. "Okay, I'll stay," the unsureness in her voice evident.

"Okay."

Iris spent the next day thinking back on last night's dinner. It was nice to not be eating alone, but she would have to adjust to the changes between them. Time. That's what was needed.

Pulling on her gloves, she got ready for nightly boxing session. She still boxed, not because she was angry, but because it was a habit and it helped clear her mind. Her mind on it's own accord turned to Star Labs. Now that she knew what they had been doing, well that they helped Barry, she couldn't help but think that there was something else. Something she couldn't quite put her finger on. For one, they knew about Barry when he was in a coma. And they were adamant in helping him. She wanted to know that everything was all good at Star Labs because Barry –

Barry was involved. If this experience taught her anything, it would be that she couldn't just accept what people say at face value anymore. She would listen to her gut instinct. Her instinct that had told her Barry had been lying all those months ago. She wouldn't be docile about it or be played the fool anymore. She would keep her eyes wide open. She thought of all the people in Central city whose lives had been impacted from the actions of Star Labs.

Taking off her gloves, she decided that she would be the one to illuminate truth. Not only with Star Labs, but with other matters too. People deserved truth. The people of this city deserved honest reporting on matters of import.

Feeling inspired, she picked up her phone and called a number she had never thought to use before.

"Hello."

"Caitlin. What are you doing for lunch tomorrow?"

"Uh, well, I.."

"Caitlin, please. I need to talk."

She heard a soft sigh. "Okay, I can meet you at one. At Jitters?"

Iris smiled. "Where else. See you then."

Note: It's time for Iris to do some hardcore investigating and figure out her new dynamic with Barry. What do you think is more important for Iris?