Summary: Gemma Soto thought she'd left Barry Allen behind in college, but after taking a CSI position in Central City they can't stop interfering with each other at their day job (and their night jobs).

"Miss, you're not supposed to –"

Fffnt.

The bright pink arrow pierced the center of his chest, silencing the guard permanently. Carrie Cutter raced to the now unguarded back door; Oliver Queen was staying in the hotel inside, and she would have her revenge one way or another. Before she reached the handle, an unwelcome feeling overtook her. It was like her whole body was stuck in place, but her face could somehow still move.

"Hey, stupid," a woman's voice rung out behind her; Carrie tried to fight the feeling, but her body refused to move.

"It's Cupid!" she screamed, trying to thrash against the invisible restraints.

Gemma took a moment to admire her handiwork; her range was really improving. Carrie Cutter aka Cupid was frozen where she stood. She adjusted her ill-fitting ski mask as she inwardly patted herself on the back for a job well done. Now, if only she could find a way to get Cupid to the cops.

Without warning, something whooshed past her, knocking her to the ground and toppling her focus. The blur of lightning momentarily paused next to the newly freed Cupid and buzzed around her, tying her hands up. Finally, the mystery person glanced at Gemma.

"Who are you?" he asked.

That voice…

She stood up, her head cocking slightly to the side as she wracked her brain for a face. She'd definitely heard that voice before…

"It's not safe for you to be out here, you could have gotten –"

He was frozen before he finished his sentence, likely chastising her for putting herself in harm's way. She cautiously approached the metahuman, still wondering about his voice. Finally, she was right in front of him, hands shaking. She unfroze his face, watching the panic spread as he realized he couldn't move his body.

"Who are you?!" he yelled, jerking his head from side to side. She reached up and quickly pulled off his mask.

Oh shit.

"Barry?"

They both stood there, shocked speechless.

"Boy, you two have some serious chemistry," Cupid laughed, having freed herself while both metas were distracted. Taking advantage of the element of surprise, she quickly shot an arrow through Gemma's shoulder, causing her to lose focus and free the speedster. Cupid used that opportunity to escape, leaving a very confused Flash.

He looked back at her as she pulled the arrow out, gasping at the pain.

"Are you okay?" he asked, earning a glare from her. "Okay, that was dumb, you're not okay… but who are you? How do you know who I am?"

"Never mind," she grunted, dropping the bloody arrow. She hovered her hand over the wound, using the time stream to reverse the damage made by the arrow. Barry looked like he was about to have a stroke. She took a final glance at his face before turning and running.

He smiled; as if she could outrun him. He started to run, but quickly realized he wasn't able to access his speed. The panic began to set in. He watched as she disappeared into an alleyway, dumbstruck. Who was she and what had she done to him?

New story! It's been quite some time since the last time I wrote a fanfiction, and it's great to be back. This story was co-created (and possibly will be co-written) with my sister, Sleepless In Chicago ( u/9258664/Sleepless-In-Chicago) so please go and check her out as well. Thanks for reading!