"This is a waste of time," the officer in front of Barry muttered crankily. "I'm no metahuman."

Barry shifted uncomfortably. He'd practiced his lie with Joe and Iris for hours the day before, until even Joe agreed that he was convincing enough.

"Remember, Barry," he'd said, "try not to talk unless they ask for it, don't fidget, and just be yourself."

Barry had nodded and tried again.

Now that the moment was actually here, however, Barry was uneasy. But he hid his nervousness, assumed a bored expression, and continued to read his book.

"Next!" A clipped woman's voice rang out. Barry glanced up- it was his turn. The woman looked at him expectantly. "Name and position?"

"Oh- sorry," he said. "Barr- I mean, Bartholomew Allen. CSI."

She nodded, scribbling on a clipboard. "Step through the detector, please."

He shrugged and stepped forward, not knowing what to expect.

The machine flashed a small red light, and a high-pitched whine could be heard. Every officer in the station turned to look at him- some with surprise, some with amusement...but what was that on Officer Greyling's face? Confusion? Apprehension?

Fear?

"Mr. Allen, please come with me," said the woman, pulling him out of line. "We're going to ask you a few questions."

Barry nodded. "Sure."

He followed her into an empty office, standing uncomfortably against the wall. She sat in front of the window and gestured for Barry to have a seat. He did so, fidgeting in the uncomfortable chair.

"Mr. Allen, you are a metahuman." It wasn't a question, just a blunt statement of fact. "What is your ability?"

Barry swallowed. "Well- see, that's the problem. I don't really have one."

The woman stared, then leaned forward. "What?"

"I don't have an ability," he mumbled. Then he coughed and looked up. "I mean, I was affected by the particle accelerator explosion- I got struck by lightning and fell into a coma- but I haven't shown any signs of powers. Which kind of sucks." He shrugged, then looked up, pretending to suddenly remember something. "I have been falling asleep a lot more easily recently, though. Maybe that's my superpower." He laughed weakly. "Doesn't help my reputation for being late, though."

The woman sat back, scanning him suspiciously. He kept his expression casual and open.

She huffed. "You may go."

He nodded and stood, turning towards the door.

"Oh- and, Mr. Allen?"

He turned around, apprehensive. "Yes?"

"Tie your shoe."

Reaching down, he quickly tied it, then backed out of the office hastily.

Returning to his lab, he passed by multiple officers- and was unsettled by how many heads turned. He picked up his pace, uneasy.

Joe was waiting for him in the lab.

"So?" He gestured to Barry's chair, he himself leaning on the desk. "How'd it go?"

Barry sighed and threw himself into his chair, his hands massaging his temples.

"Stressfully."

Joe raised a brow.

He sighed. "I don't know. She asked me what my abilities were, I told her I didn't have any, that I'd been affected by the particle accelerator explosion but I'd never shown any signs of abilities. Except sleeping." He laughed. "I've needed a lot more sleep than usual lately."

Joe laughed. "That's true."

"What's true?"

They both turned abruptly to look at Captain Singh, who had just entered the lab. Barry stood. "Inside joke, sir. Uh- what can I do for you?"

Singh turned around and shut the doors. Joe straightened- "Maybe I should go."

The police captain held up his hand. "No, Joe, I think you should stay."

Silent, Joe sat back down on the desk.

Singh turned to Barry. "So, Allen, is there anything you'd like to tell me?"

Barry shook his head. "No, sir?"

"Really?" The captain's eyes narrowed. "Hm. Well, then when were you planning on telling me you were metahuman?"

"Uh..."

"Or how about how you're suddenly good at lying to people?"

Barry twitched. "What?"

"I'm not an idiot, Mr. Allen. I can tell when someone's lying- and you were most definitely lying to that scientist in that office. Struck by lightning, and you don't have any powers besides your spectacular lateness? That was already there."

Barry was silent. Joe cleared his throat. "Captain, what are you trying to say?" His voice was suddenly emotionless, and his words were curt.

Singh looked at Barry, then at Joe, then sighed and shook his head. "You misunderstand me, Joe- I don't care whether Allen has magical powers or not. But you both should know that my office is always open to anyone who needs to talk."

Joe visibly relaxed, but Barry was motionless. There was something in the captain's eye that said he'd guessed a lot more than he was telling, but for some reason, Barry didn't think he'd pry.

Eliciting no response, Singh turned around. "In the meantime, I'll support whatever decisions you make, Allen. And as for that super-lateness story...be careful."

He walked out of the room, closing the doors behind him.

Joe turned to look at Barry. "He knows more than he's telling."

Barry nodded. "But somehow, I don't think he cares."

Thanks for all the great reviews! They really inspire me to keep going.
Speaking of, let me know- where do you think the story's going so far?
- S. Pendragon