Only Because I Need You

When You Least Expect It

The rancid smell of alcohol burned in Ethan's nostrils. Loud and repetitive music blared in his ears. He wrinkled up his nose in disgust. People were collecting in groups, swaying from side to side, out of tune with the music. In their hands was some form of drink that sloshed around with them. Colourful lights assaulted his eyes and lit up the faces of all those around him. He hated being in clubs. It was pointless, if he wanted to be surrounded by irresponsible drunk people he would have gone to the nearest bar. He scanned the area, several people were up on the stage dancing sloppily. He glanced to his side. Caitlin stood tall, her face was warped with minor distaste. Iris and Barry stood by her, they shared a much the same expression. Barry's eyes met with Ethan's over the heads of the two girls. The scarlet speedster dipped his head, Ethan hesitantly returned the gesture. His wrist was bare and felt free. He could have taken off and ran away. He could have escaped and abandoned Caitlin, but he had no intention of doing so. She had been kind to him, he didn't want to throw her kindness back in her face, no matter how much he hated Team Flash.

The team delved into the mass of sweaty bodies, they needed to locate some regulars. Ethan felt a wave of regret swamp him. What had he signed up for? He shook his head, reminding himself why he was there. Focus. Caitlin and Iris immediately split up, walking separate ways. Rolling his eyes, he stalked after Caitlin. They couldn't have kept it simple and decided to talk to people together, could they? Ethan guessed Barry was right, they were too difficult for one speedster to manage and with their suspect knowing who they were, their lives were at risk.

Caitlin made a bee-line for a rounded looking man with a large red nose that reminded Ethan a little of a strawberry. Of course he was her first choice. Caitlin began in polite conversation. The man away from side to side, hiccuping occasionally. His entire frame was animated whilst he spoke. Ethan tried to keep himself discreet. People were more likely to talk to Caitlin if she didn't have a scowling giant behind her. Caitlin nodded her head and walked away from him, once more making her way over to some girls, who looked far too young to be in the club, and their faces were bright orange and so dusty that Ethan mistook them for walking wotsits. Amazingly Caitlin spoke to them with courtesy and respect. Something he could never do. From the corner of his eyes, he noticed the drunk man from before slipping into the corners of the room. Ethan narrowed his eyes, then glanced back at Caitlin, who was already on the move again. He groaned internally and followed her from behind. He lingered close by to her as she wandered from person to person for about an hour.

Finally, when the lights and blaring noises were beginning to crack his skull open, Caitlin decided to make her way to the tables where Barry and Iris were already standing. He stood by the toffee haired lady's side as she joined the couple's conversation, "I'm coming up dry, any luck?" She asked them, a toffee brow arched up high.

Iris shook her head and pinched her lips together, "nothing on our end either," Barry looked mildly displeased, his arms were crossed over his chest and a small wrinkle had begun to form between his brows. Ethan observed the two women, they seemed genuinely disappointed. Iris picked up a small shot from the table she was leaning on and handed it to Caitlin, "it will ease the awkwardness," she added with a wink, than passed one to Barry and Ethan, who shared a confused look before the women knocked back the clear liquid and placed the small glasses back, upside down, on the tables, "Even if it doesn't get you drunk, it will make you blend in a little, trust me I've done plenty of blending in," Iris chuckled. With a shrug Ethan threw back the shot, the liquid burned at his throat and settled in a pool of heat in his stomach. Barry rolled his eyes and did the same, both setting down the glasses beside the womens'.

Caitlin checked her watch, "M'kay, there is a few more people I still have to talk to, meet back here in twenty?" She eyes her whole team. They sent her reassuring nods. With that they delved into the masses of people once more.