Cisco and Caitlin sure did a wonderful job making sure Star Labs was decorated for the holidays.

That's the first thoughts that float through the mind of the brunette as her heels sound across the floor of the Cortex.  Sounds from the annual holiday party drifting down the corridor as she nears the room where everyone else is gathered.  Where they have been for hours.

Since she's not an employee of the facility or even really a full fledged member of Team Flash she wasn't obligated to be here tonight. But she did decide to come.

Because of him.

Because of Barry.

The party room is bustling as she walks through the door. Instantly embraced in a hug by Caitlin, her closest confidant here. Well other than him of course.

"Shann, I didn't think you were going to make it tonight!!"

The smile she returns to the sunny, sometimes frosty doctor is forced. But it's still there was she surveys the room. Heart dropping even further out of her chest.

"I.... I had some things I needed to do first. And I can't really stay long. But I wanted to make sure I got to see everyone before...."

Caitlin's nod of understanding means she doesn't really need to finish her train of thought. And the doctor returns her sentiments with hushed tones before she hurries off again.

"I understand.... just let me know when you get settled in and I may stop down and visit you. I'll miss you Shann."

She whispers back a soft I'll miss you too Caity before the other woman fades back into the crowd.

The room is bustling with fervent energy. Joe and Cecille are laughing along with Mr Wells (she was constantly forgetting which worlds incarnation he was so she never thought to remember his first name) as Ralph croons tone deafly along with the Christmas music that is playing.

Iris has her hands full as she tries to wrangle Don and Dawn into sitting quietly and listening. But the twins are very much living up to their Tornado Twins nicknames at the moment. And just that fact causes Shannon to smirk cruelly.

Serves her right!!

And Barry...

Barry is by the bar with Cisco. Little Caleb held high over his head, giggling as he makes him fly around like Superman.

And just the sight of him, laughing and happy makes her heart clench uncomfortably.

This isn't fair.

Life isn't fair.

She takes a deep breath and crosses the room towards the two men. Dreading what she has to do.

His green eyes find hers as he lowers the toddler back to sit at his hip, that sweet smile on his face. The one she's adored since highschool.

"Shanny!! You came. Buddy, say hi to Auntie Shannon."

Caleb's chubby hand waves and he whispers a soft hi Auntie Shanny before his tiny thumb is shoved into his mouth.

The girl shakes her head slightly as she stifles a laugh at the child's action. But still she soldiers on with her mission. Eyes darting around before she speaks softly.

"Bas.... Barry. I.... I need to talk to you. Alone."

Barry's expression drops some as he turns to Cisco.

"Cisco, can you take Caleb? I have to... Shann and I need to talk real quick."

Cisco nods and takes the young boy out of his father's arms and heads with him towards his other siblings leaving the tall green eyed man standing tentatively in front of the petite brunette.

"Shann, what's wrong? You look so serious. So sad..."

Her eyes begin to glaze over as she sighs and stares up at him. Speaking the words she never thought she would.

"I am... I'm.. I wanted to tell you in person. I'm... I'm leaving. Heading back to Ohio. Tonight. For good. It's.... it's better this way."

His normally pale complexion looses all color, his skin taking on an eerie translucency that makes his green eyes pop.

And his voice is barely a whisper.

A distraught whisper.

"Please don't leave me..."