Hello, this is a story that is focused mainly around OTF (Original Team Flash: Barry, Caitlin, and Cisco). I'm not sure if this will be a one-shot or a multi chapter story but I hope you like it. I find with each new season, there is a decreasing amount of interactions between OTF which makes me really sad. The purpose of this story is to pick moments where I thought a OTF interaction should have been placed. This is what I wished would have happened in episode 4x05. I apologize for any potential grammar and spelling errors.
This is my first fanfiction, feel free to write a review on your thoughts.
Chapter 1: Aww It's Just Caitlin
"I can explain everything" muttered Caitlin as the rest of the members of the team gathered closer to her.
-Caitlin's explanation-
"Now I still have my powers and I have it more under control" said Caitlin. Caitlin risked a glance at the team. Iris nods and looks supportive. Ralph is now no longer paying attention and is flicking his finger like a yo-yo. But those two's reactions were never a concern to Caitlin in the first place. Cisco held her gaze but seems to be deep in thought. Did he feel betrayed by her keeping this secret? Was he going to be okay with this? Caitlin couldn't even bear to look at Barry for his reaction. God why did she come back to the team, she was only making a bigger mess of things by trying to amend her past mistakes.
"I'm going to go and clean up my wounds" said Caitlin. She quickly cleared the room in avoidance of continuing the awkward tension that filled the cortex.
Iris watched as Caitlin made a dash for the exit. "Guys, say something."
"Well I don't see what the problem is. Now we get two teammates on the team. Personally, I would love to get to know that hot icy babe, ha that was an oxymoron" said Ralph as Iris rolled her eyes in response. "Plus, we have Caitlin for all her medical stuff, it's a win-win situation" said Ralph.
As much as it kind of pained Iris to do, she had to agree with Ralph. She liked having another female on the team. Sure, her and Caitlin's relationship weren't the strongest, but it is something that Iris wants to work on. Frost had her back tonight and protected her, Felicity and Cecile. It is only fair that Iris has her back as well. "I agree with Ralph. Tonight, would have been a different story if Caitlin wasn't there. So what if she has a colder alter ego? she's still Caitlin." Iris exclaimed.
Barry and Cisco remained frozen in thought, neither made a move at Ralph or Iris' opinions.
"Well I vocalized my opinion and I had too long of a night to play statues with all of you. I'll see you guys tomorrow" said Ralph. "I still can't believe that monster broke my picture frame" Ralph muttered as he exited the Cortex.
"Barry?" Iris touched Barry's shoulder hoping to ignite some sort of response from him.
"Iris, go back to the apartment" said Barry as he finally looked at her.
"What about you?" asked Iris.
"I'm going to stay here tonight" said Barry.
"But Barr…" Iris began before being interrupted by Barry. "Iris please just go" Iris has known Barry long enough to realize the seriousness of his tone. "Okay, Barry, I'll see you later." As Iris exited Star Labs, she prayed that Team Flash will remain intact after tonight.
Caitlin had finished dressing her newly acquired wounds. Her stitches on her arm had opened but it was a quick fix. She was glad there was something to distract her mind, it allowed a moment of peace from the bomb she just let off in the Cortex. However, all of that came back when her medical attention was no longer required. She sat idly in a secluded Star Labs room and pondered. What was she going to do? Should she just go with her original plan and leave Central City for good, create a new life for herself? Without Central City…...Star Labs….Cisco…..or Barry. Could she do that, just leave for good without any hesitation? She knew the answer to that question, no she couldn't. No matter what, Caitlin will always be connected to Central City. It was the only home she ever known, a refuge from a cold childhood. Fond memories filled this city considering all the darkness she had faced over the years. It was why Caitlin didn't leave six months ago and instead chose to work at that grungy bar. But Amunet will seek revenge, guaranteed. Caitlin wasn't worried about herself, but if Amunet hurt Barry or Cisco or the rest of Team Flash due to association with her, what would she do? Caitlin shuddered at the thought and out of nowhere a hot cup was placed into her hands. Ajar from her thoughts, Caitlin glanced up and her eyes met with the familiar eyes of Cisco. Behind her, a blanket was placed around her shoulders by Barry, who then chose to sit down next to her with his own mug in between his hands.
Caitlin didn't know what to say, she could only manage a quiet thank you.
"It's chamomile tea, I think we could all use a little bit of relaxation after the night we just had" said Cisco.
"I thought you guys were going to watch some home movies?" asked Caitlin.
"Yeah well Ralph had other ideas. Thank you for the alcohol concoction by the way, I'm sure you helped Cisco with the formula."
A small grin appeared on Caitlin's face "You deserve it Barry, I only wish we had come up with it earlier."
"Yeah like I need more people to know who the Flash really is" Barry muttered sarcastically.
All three laughed at the statement and the irony of how many people knew his secret identity. The number was getting quite high.
"I'm sorry guys" Caitlin said, as their laughter died down. "I never meant for tonight to end up this way".
"Why didn't you tell us sooner Cait?" Barry asked as he raised his mug for a sip.
Caitlin gripped her mug a little tighter. "I don't know, the timing never felt right. With you coming back from the speed force then DeVoe and all the bus metas. I didn't want to add more on top of what we were already facing."
"Didn't we learn what keeping secrets can do from the last time?" asked Cisco.
"I know, I just…I guess…I…" Caitlin tried to gather her thoughts but found herself at a loss for words.
Barry rested a hand on her knee and made eye contact. "Caitlin". Caitlin gulped at the assurance reflected in Barry's eyes, placed the mug down, and took a breath.
Her fingers clenched tightly. "I'm scared. With Savitar and everything that happened six months ago, I didn't know how I could reveal that I still have my powers. I used my powers against you both. I aligned myself with Savitar. I see myself and I can't help but feel ashamed over my actions."
Cisco reached over and took one of her hands easing the tension. "Caitlin, we forgave you for what happened. Everything that happened with Savitar is done with. Yes, we lost you for a moment there but you're back now and that is all that matters." Cisco said as he tried to reassure her by rubbing her fingers gently.
"How can you say that? I betrayed you guys! I took whatever trust you had in me and chucked in out the window and for what? Power? Control? I was so stupid. I hurt the both of you, I kidnapped Cecile, I helped to plan kill Iris." Caitlin jerked her hand out of Cisco's and stood up hoping to distance herself away.
"Caitlin, that wasn't yo…"
"No Barry, that was me, all of me. Killer Frost and I are one. She's every emotion I ever held in: bitterness, sorrow, anger all bundled into a frosty package manifesting into another being. She's me. The me who should have grieved more for Ronnie. The me who was terrified after being on Earth 2 with Zoom but never showed it. The me who stood alone crying in my bedroom when my mom became cold after my father's death but kept it concealed. "Caitlin muttered as tears began to form in her eyes.
Barry placed his mug down, stood in front of her and wiped a tear off with his thumb. "Okay, yes you are right. However, you can't place all the blame of becoming Killer Frost on yourself. I am at fault as well for failing to help you." Caitlin opened her mouth to argue but was stopped by Barry shaking his head. "I was so overwhelmed with the potential of Iris dying that I left my best friend to slowly die inside. I took your willingness to always help for granted never once considering that you would ever leave my side. When Zoom took you last year, knowing that you were a strong person, I left the issue alone. I was arrogant to think that you could hold yourself on your own forever. Caitlin, I broke my promise to help you and was blindsided by my concern for Iris. I'm so sorry. I couldn't help you before but now I have been given another opportunity to finally be the friend that you deserve. Like Cisco said, the past is in the past, we can only move on from here. I love you Caitlin, and by extension that also means I love the icy part of you too.
At Barry's confession, Caitlin's tears began to free fall. Cisco, who was standing on the side, stepped in and embraced Caitlin. "I will always need you with me Caitlin, that's a fact. I'm here for however long you need me, always. It doesn't matter how many screws up you make." Cisco proclaimed.
"I don't deserve you guys." Caitlin said.
Barry scoffed at that "Yes you do, you deserve better Caitlin. Truthfully"
Caitlin still doubted herself and a part of her knew that it would take a while to forgive herself for what she had done to the two of them. But she also knew how much over the years she had grown to depend on the two of them. They still stand by her after everything. She smiled, realizing just how fortunate she really is. "Thank you, I don't know what I would do without the two of you."
"We promise to be with you if you promise us something" Cisco exclaimed.
Caitlin puzzled "What promise?"
Cisco smiled gently "Promise that we won't lose you again."
"I promise" Caitlin said as she held up her pinky and was met with Barry and Cisco's pinkies.
The three of them gathered in a group hug, hearts warmed at the fact that their original team is back once again. Their embrace was jostled by a loud growl emitting from the nickname lover. Caitlin and Barry couldn't resist bursting out laughing at the reddening cheeks of their friend.
"Hey, give me a break, it's been a long day" grumbled Cisco.
"I could use a late-night bite; my dinner was interrupted" Caitlin said as she gathered the mugs and placed them on a desk. "Let's go grab some Big Belly Burger and head over to my place."
"Sounds like a plan" Barry said as he started to head to the door. "I really want to watch Titanic and eat chicken wings."
Cisco noticed the confused look Caitlin directed towards Barry. "Don't worry, I'll tell you the details later at your place. OOOH I can't wait to start training with you." Cisco exclaimed excitingly as the group headed towards their favourite place.
That's a wrap on this chapter. I hope you all like it.
-V
