Author's Note: It's good to be back guys, and as a special thank you for sticking with me after my year long hiatus, here is my longest chapter to date. Special shout out and thanks to: xRedxMoonx, Kaddy 16, GayMexicanBatman, Shade Michels, Mrs. Allen-Queen, GhostlySights, Gilyflower, BloodyBlondeVamp, and gossamermouse101. Thank you for the beautiful reviews and and extra special thank you to kindleflame5 for the suggestions. This story is far from dead, and will do my best to update more often. Forgive the errors, it's late and I have work in the morning.
Disclaimer: I wanted to stick very close to this episode in certain scenes so certain sections of dialogue are directly from the show and definitely not mine. Cisco is an underrated superstar.
Lightning crackled, electrifying the air. My lips curled into a sly smile, as the scarlet speedster careened to a halt in front of me, dropping Nimbus into a heap. He studied, no, scrutinized me, and for a moment a twinge of panic set in. Perhaps I revealed my hand too quick. This is Barry though, my Barry.
His lips parted, gaping like a fish, too shocked for words. A buzzing voice shook him from his revelation.
"What is it, Cisco?" He replied sharply, his eyes never leaving me. Cisco? "A few blocks outside the prison. Good, we're going to need it. I'll be right there." Seizing Nimbus once more, he spared a final glance at me, "Don't move." Yeah, okay. I'll wait here. Sure. Shouting and distant sirens echoed through the night air, closing in on my position. Shit, that's right. I called the cops. Time to go. Now.
Sprinting down the street, I heard the wailing sirens closing in, not a few blocks away. Right, this isn't suspicious, a masked woman fleeing the scene of an attack on an officer. I hope to god that memory wipe worked or I'm in deep shit. Why are you even running? When confronted, just wipe their memories too! The fact that I am comfortable with using my powers on officers of the law is incredibly disconcerting. An arm wrapped around my waist at lightning speed, pulling me into a bear hug. I barely had time to bury my face into his neck before he released me.
"A little warning next time!" Bile rose in my throat, and I shook my head fighting off the nausea.
"Explain." Barry demanded, stoically. Still donning his mask, he exuberated a dominance and intimidation my Barry lacked. I feel like I'm on trial; a bad kid caught in the act.
We were standing on the roof to my building, the flowers I planted dancing in the whipping wind.
"I don't know what you want me to say."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"That's funny, I could ask you the same question!" I fired back, advancing on him. His lips pressed into a thin white line; he's mad. Good. So am I. "How long were you going to keep this from me? Also, Cisco knows? Cisco knows. Before me. I don't even need to tell you how fucked up that is, Barry."
"He's been helping me; Caitlin and Dr. Wells too. Something happened to me when I was struck by lightning that night. S.T.A.R Labs is helping figure out what happened to me; to control it."
"So you're a science experiment."
"No! It's not like that." He sighed, wiping a hand down his face. "When the particle accelerator exploded…it gave people…abilities."
"Like me." Barry nodded, pain etched across his face. I knew it.
"I'm fast now, Ry." He whispered, in awe and excitement.
"And what am I?"
"I don't know." I nodded silently, a lump forming in my throat. This is heavy shit.
"So what now?"
"No one can know I'm The Streak."
"Does Iris know?" Barry looked away, nervously. That would be a no.
"She's going to find out, you know. You're her new obsession. She created an entire blog dedicated to 'The Streak', Barry, sooner or later she's going to put the pieces together."
"If you really feel that way, why didn't you tell us about your abilities?" I fell silent, unable to even look at him.
"I wanted to tell you." I murmured, still not meeting his gaze. A growl of disgust ripped from my throat. "I just didn't know how. We had been chasing the impossible for so long; to finally become one…it's…overwhelming." Chancing a glance, I saw my Barry; frustration and compassion exhausted his features.
"I know the feeling. They're good people Ry, they've helped me tap into abilities I didn't even know I had and control them. Come with me to S.T.A.R.S Lab, let them do some tests and –"
"Absolutely not."
Ry—"
"I am not a fucking science experiment."
"but—"
"I said no!"
"Ryleigh you formed a crater by screeching and vaulting over a railing! You kick a wall and your foot goes right through. If you don't learn to channel this properly, someone is going to get hurt." He's absolutely right, but damn if I'd let him know that. Barry pulled back his mask, his eyes darting, searching my reproachful face. "Do you think I'd even suggest it if I thought something was going to happen to you? This is Caitlin and Cisco, they aren't going to lock you in a cage and dissect you." Barry closed the gap between us gripping my arms tightly. "Look at me. Nothing is going to happen to you. We're going to figure this out. Do you trust me?" Barry's eyes bore into mine, pleadingly.
"Of course," I sighed. Barry's forehead rested against mine, releasing a heavy breath. "Want to come in for a beer?"
"I have work tomorrow, and I'm meeting everyone at the Lab for training; you should come."
"And if I say no?" I raised an antagonizing eyebrow.
"I can't force you. It's your decision," Barry nodded gravely. "Just think about it, and when you're ready I'll be here." His lips quirked, boasting his trademark crooked smile before zipping over the ledge of the roof. My hair blew wildly in his wake, a mere blur against the traffic below. God, what that must feel like. Gingerly, I sunk onto the ledge of the roof, feet dangling over the edge. I closed my eyes, allowing the sounds of city to wash over me; my fingers curling over the concrete edge.
The city roared to life in my inner ear, my body buzzing like a living hive. Traffic, horns, radios, humming, vibrating every nerve. Breathe Gallagher. Absorb it. My fingertips tingled, spreading rapidly through my palms, up my arms; it's utterly intoxicating. I feel like a live wire; I wonder if this is how Barry feels. Maybe I'm overreacting; I mean, it's not like these people are strangers, not to mention they saved my best friend's life. I can't keep running around half-cocked, hoping for the best. With a heavy sigh, I whipped out my phone; my fingers dancing over familiar numbers.
"What time do you want me there?"
"You're late! You are the fastest man alive, why are you like this?"
"I took the scenic route."
"Around the world?"
"Why aren't you suited up?"
"I am!"
"Is that Ricky's racing suit? Why do you still have that?"
"Because I'm a hoarder, and don't judge me you kept Becky Lambert's gel pen for like 5 years at least I dated Ricky."
"It was my favorite color!"
"Your favorite color is blue you lying sack of shit, now let's go in before I change my mind."
"After you," Barry motioned obnoxiously, holding open the door for me to step through.
"What? Don't trust me?" I teased, hesitantly stepping over the threshold into the building.
"Barry, thanks for finally joining us, and I see you brought a friend. Miss Gallagher, it's been a while, how are you these days?"
"I don't know Doc; I was hoping you could tell me." Dr. Wells glanced between us inquisitively and I prickled under his scrutiny.
"She knows Dr. Wells,"
"Barry, what have I told you about—"
"No, she's the one who helped me defeat Multiplex and Kyle Nimbus."
"So you're 'The Siren', well that's one mystery solved. I hear you pack quite the punch."
"Guess I don't know my own strength."
"That's something we can rectify; we can talk later, everything is set up in the lab." I followed Barry and Dr. Wells down the familiar corridor to the main facility, where Cisco and Caitlin waited, conversing animatedly. Three different stations of games were set up.
"This is training? Sign me up then." I cracked, nodding hello at the two young scientists bickering from their stations.
"Settle in Miss. Gallagher, feel free to observe. Ready Barry?"
"Always,"
"Then let's begin."
"This isn't remotely atomically correct." Caitlin huffed, waiting impatiently for Barry to take his turn at 'Operation'.
"That's not the point Dr. Snow." Barry grinned, swiftly extracting a piece before speeding back to Cisco at the ping pong table.
"Then what is the point?"
"To have fun," Barry scoffed, not once missing a beat, sending the plastic ball zooming over the net.
"And to continue your ongoing training. We're testing the speed of your mind by pushing your ability to multitask." Dr. Wells called from the adjoining room, a timed chess game before him. Barry zoomed about like a pin ball, bouncing from station to station.
"I'm waiting on you Dr. Wells," Barry grinned impishly, speeding back to Cisco, launching the ball with timed elegance across the table. I feel like I'm watching the Olympics in fast forward. I won't even lie and pretend I'm not impressed. I knew he was fast, I witnessed him in action first hand, but, I don't know, with his mask on he's 'The Streak' another entity all together, but here; here he's Barry: the fastest man alive. His thousand-watt grin stretched ear-to-ear as he raced about the room having the time of his life.
"Penny for your thoughts?" I jumped slightly at Dr. Wells' voice, his eyes never leaving the board.
"He's dizzying," I marveled. I've seen him in action, but this, this was just Barry goofing off, having a laugh; he's amazing.
"He's just getting started, and maybe showing off a little." He glanced up from the board to offer a knowing smile. "Check mate."
"Wait, check mate?" Barry dropped his paddle careening to a halt in front of Dr. Wells.
"Check mate. I guess we still have a few things left to learn, don't we Mr. Allen?"
"Lots to learn you do, young Padawan."
"Ha! Yes!" Cisco pointed proudly, the moment ruined by a beeping emitted from a stand-alone monitor. "Armed robbery at Fourth and Kolins."
"Well, Miss Gallagher, let's see what you can do." Dr. Wells smiled mildly, "Cisco, please fit her with some of the basics."
"Sure thing! Where's your suit?"
"I'm wearing it?"
"Are you serious? No, no, no this won't do at all. Who did you steal this from, Jeff Gordon?"
"Hey! It's the best I got okay?"
"It's going to have to be…is that a Halloween mask? Right, got it. Don't dis the get up. This is supposed to help us monitor you in case you and Barry get separated, that way we can see what you're up against and do our best to help you on this end. How do you feel about retinal cam? I'll take that face as a no. Right, not giving me much to work with. I'm just going to have to fuse this with your suit as much as possible and hope for the best, just try to bring it back in one piece okay?"
I don't think I'm going to dignify any of that with an answer.
"Ryleigh, ready?"
"Sure, why not." Without a moment of hesitation, Barry disappeared in a blink and my legs flew out from under me. Holy shit! Holy shit! Fuck you, Barry! Before I could protest or even will my eyes open, I was abruptly placed on the ground and the world careened to a halt once more; Barry already springing into action.
The vibration of the truck rippled through me as Barry's body collided into it, ripping one of the robbers out of the door. As Barry sped down the street, the robber thrown from the car ripped off his mask in a fury. Our eyes locked, and for the first time I felt very naked under my cheap mask. Shots rang out, and I tore my eyes away from his long enough to see a hostage collapse. The sound reverberated through my ears shooting a current down my arms into my fingertips. I could…feel the residual vibration, oh god this is weird. Oh god, what do I do? This suit doesn't exactly block bullets! The shooter rounded on me, preparing to fire. Panicking, I threw my arms up, a shrill scream of terror escaping my lips as he fired…oh my god, how am I not dead? I peeked an eye open to see my shooter thrown several feet away and Barry hovering over the officer.
"Where's the nearest hospital? Call the ER, tell them they have an incoming GSW. Ryleigh, you okay?"
"I'm fine. I'm—shit!" Engines whirred to life as both robbers sped away. "I'll get them; you get that guy to the hospital."
"No way, it's too dangerous!"
"You can't carry both of us! They're getting away, let me help."
"Stay with the other hostage, I'll be right back."
"Damnit!" I growled in frustration, watching helplessly as the criminals sped off into the distance. I saw his face; this isn't over yet.
Sirens wailed in the distance, the sound speeding closer every second. Come on, Barry.
"We gotta go," Barry huffed in my ear."
"Don't do that!" I screeched, smacking his arm. He grabbed my wrist pulling me close to him once more. Here we go again, this time he gave me a moment to prepare before taking off.
"You going to be okay here? I can drop you off at home." Barry offered, placing me gently down in front of the lab.
"No, no, they are going to wonder where you are. Singh is already on your ass these days."
"You sure?"
"Positive, see you later?"
"Of course!" My grin faltered as soon as he disappeared. Come on, Ry, you told Barry you would play ball, so go in there and play ball. Something tells me this isn't going to go over well.
"So what your saying is, you expect to just come and go as you please, use our expertise and technology, but I can't run tests to see what exactly we're dealing with. Am I missing something?" Caitlin spat, eyeing me with unguarded vehemence.
"Look, this wasn't my idea in the first place, I'm not getting prodded, poked, and then put on a leash."
"I'm not interested in slapping a collar on you, I'm interested in seeing what you are capable of; aren't you? Dr. Snow is right, you've got a lot of untapped potential, abilities of which you are just scratching the surface. Without training, without testing, you are a wildcard. Through sheer luck, you have managed to do some good, but what happens if you lose your temper? When you are no longer in control? The question is: can you live with yourself?"
"I didn't ask for this," I murmured sharply.
Dr. Wells paused, sparing a glance at his legs. "None of did, but it is the hand we were dealt. You have fared much better than others. I want to help you Ryleigh, I think with help you can be great. Don't do it for me, don't do it for Barry, do it for you. Embrace who you are. Hone your skills, but you are going to need help." I glanced sullenly between the three scientists. Caitlin's stony face revealed nothing; her arms crossed expectantly, waiting for me to give my answer. Cisco's assuring smile could not hide the slight tinge of worry in his eyes. I don't know why this is so hard for me. I know I'm just being stubborn, but I can't shake the feeling like I'm in one of those mobster movies where I'm being given a choice: Kiss the ring, or take a walk. "Do you trust Barry?" Dr. Wells dangled his name in front of me like a carrot on a string. "Then trust that he trusts me."
"How can I argue that logic?" I smiled sullenly, nodding in affirmation.
Cisco's eyes lit up, "Alright! Welcome to the team! Do you mind if we get started right away? I have been dying to show you this footage!" Cisco veered towards the central computer system, dragging me excitedly behind him. "So, for the most part your performance was—"
"Underwhelming," Caitlin shot, sliding into position on my right.
"Yea, unfortunately," Cisco winced, "but check this out!" Cisco fast forward through the footage. "Now this screen is Barry's camera and this one is yours. Now watch…" My eyes widened as a vision of me raising my arms in a defensive panic just as the masked assailant fired his gun at me. "It took me a minute to figure out how you are not dead right now, but when you slow it down…" In a frame by frame from Barry's camera I watched in a mix of horror and awe as my arms shot up in time with the blast of the gun. The bullet veered, zinging past my ear, my assailant launched three feet back, landing in a heap.
"I thought Barry…"
"So did we."
"Holy shit."
"Yep."
"How did I do that?"
"Let's find out, shall we?" Dr. Wells echoed behind me, his face shown with curiosity. "I had Dr. Snow prepare a preliminary vitals scan, that we can base off of once we start testing your abilities. Don't give me that look Miss. Gallagher, think of the big picture—" I gasped audibly as the needle pierced through my flesh, eyeing Caitlin viciously.
"You'll feel a pinch." She offered after the fact, her small smile only irritating me further.
"We'll do a vitals, brain, and inner ear scan. Barry claims you can create seismic holes in the ground, I'm particularly interested in how that relates to your sound and motion abilities." Honestly, me too.
"When I woke up from my coma, my doctor told me my cerebral lobe was 'lit up like a Christmas tree' and working at peak efficiency." Dr. Well's eyes sparked with intrigue.
"And this is where my team monitors the police bands for criminal activity. We can track anything that's happening in the city. Check this out: we've got our own satellite." Barry strolled through the entrance a beautiful blonde woman on his heels, taking in the site of the lab.
"I know; I've hacked into it from time to time." Uh…who the fuck is this?
"Rude." Barry mocked playfully. Cisco and Caitlin stood at attention, rushing towards them.
"It is, of course, so wonderful to see you again, Felicity. I'm just wondering how much of our operation she needs to know about." Caitlin glanced apprehensively at Barry.
"I'm really good at keeping secrets."
"Felicity works with The Arrow." Wow Barry.
"That makes one of you," I smirked, meeting Barry's excited gaze with a hard stare. "Ryleigh Gallagher: best friend. Nice to meet you. How do you know Barry exactly?" I smiled sharply shaking her hand.
"Barry and I are—"
"We've worked together a few times."
"Now it all makes sense! You know who The Arrow is. Wait, do you know who The Arrow is?" Cisco and Caitlin's eyes trained on a floundering Barry.
"Uh…" Barry shook his head.
"Bite your tongue any harder and you'll swallow it, Allen." I grinned.
"Let's just say that my team has a similar setup but with more pointy objects." Cisco grinned like a kid with a VIP pass to Santa's workshop.
"Welcome, Miss Smoak!" All eyes fell on Dr. Wells as he crossed the threshold of the adjoining room. Felicity's eyes grew wide in admiration. Meh, Scientists.
"Dr. Wells? The Dr. Wells?" Dr. Wells chuckled lightly, humbly brushing off her excitement.
"Please, call me Harrison, Felicity."
"You know who I am?"
"Ranked second in the National Informative Technology competition at age nineteen. Graduated MIT with a master's degree in cyber security and computer sciences. I know who you are." Well damn. "I keep an eye out for promising talent in scientific fields that's what brought me Cisco, Caitlin, and I foresaw great things from you." I am suddenly acutely aware of the fact that I am the only one in this room not qualified to be here.
"Speaking of great things," Barry grinned impishly at Felicity, "Want to see something cool?" He took her hand, guiding her down the hall towards one of the many testing labs.
"You're going to love this." Cisco encouraged almost giddily as Caitlin attached monitors to Barry's person. Dr. Wells and I followed behind at a slower pace. At first I thought it was because of his chair, but now I think it's so he can observe. He's always observing, he doesn't look at you, he studies you. A look of intrigue ghosting his features. Barry has that same look, must be a scientist thing.
Leaning against the wall, I watch as Barry put on a show for Felicity, gearing up on the treadmill and flashing her a wink before picking up full speed. His features blur right before our eyes, and Felicity's widened in shock and awe.
"How fast can he run?"
"He hasn't reached his top speed yet, theoretically speaking."
"So is he really okay?" A concerned edge crept into her voice.
"His heart rate is in normal range…for him." Caitlin reassured.
"No, I mean, the lightning bolt changed him. Do any of you really know how much?" This got my attention.
"Not where it matters." I deadpanned, not taking my eyes off of Barry.
"We know a fair amount." Cisco nodded, flashing me a reassuring smile. We had a few of these talks over the course of the past year. Frustrated, tear-stained conversations where I held my best friend's hand as we monitored his sensory stimulation and feared I would never fully get him back.
"If everything about him is sped up, is he gonna age faster? What would happen if he ran too fast? Would he just be running and then poof, he's dust in a red costume?" She gazed beseechingly at Dr. Wells.
"Everything we do here, at S.T.A.R Labs, is to protect Barry Allen. Trust us, Felicity, he is in very good hands here." His gaze flicked behind him and I knew that statement was meant for me too. Barry Allen is in good hands, so I am in good hands. I am under the protection of S.T.A.R Labs. I nodded curtly, a secret smile formed on his lips and I knew he saw.
"Wanna see how fast I can run backwards?" Barry yelled excitedly before launching off the treadmill and into the wall.
"Yeah, that definitely hasn't changed. I need caffeine, you wanna come? We can swap embarrassing stories about Barry."
"Careful Gallagher, two can play that game." Barry exclaimed, emerging, brushing off drywall flakes from his head.
"You've got nothing on me, Allen. Let's walk Smoak, we have a lot to cover in seven blocks."
"Hey you two," Iris greeted sweetly, balancing a tray.
"Oh, we're not a two."
"Oh. No. We're a one and one."
"Yeah." Oh boy.
Iris nodded, desperately hiding her trademark grin. "Has Barry been showing you some of the sights of Central City?" Oh-ho-ho, has he.
"Yes. Um, I have seen some pretty amazing things."
"Really!" Shut up, Iris. I can see the wheels turning. "Well, if you got some time, maybe we can show you some of Central City's night life."
"Oh, no. I get plenty of nightlife in Starling City."
"Oh, this is something that I don't think that you're gonna want to miss. Trivia night at Jitters!"
"You're shameless." Iris flashed me a warning glance before plastering another broad cheery smile on her face. "Say no Felicity, it's a trap. They reel you in with the promise of free donuts but they don't say how many you get."
"The cronuts don't count, Ryleigh we've been over this."
"And yet, nowhere does it say that on the flyer. She's a con artist Felicity just walk away. You'll thank me later."
"Eddie's not really excited about it, I admit-"
"Honestly, I can't imagine why—"
"but it could be our night guys!" This is so uncomfortable.
"Our night to win seventy-five dollars' worth of cappuccinos?"
"Ah, yum! You know what, I'm gonna go call work, check in, make sure everything's okay. I'll be back in a second." Felicity smiled awkwardly, a blush tinging her cheeks before walking away.
"Why are you doing this?" Barry sighed, clearly embarrassed.
"Doing what?" Iris feigned innocence, unable to meet his gaze. This was a ritual between the two of them, one which I have decidedly taken the back seat on many years ago.
"Give me a big one Marta, oh come on, I'm here every day, you know what I want! Yes, ah ha! ha! come to mama!"
"Barry, girls don't just hop on trains and travel hundreds of miles to see someone they don't like. Ryleigh, help me!"
"It's true." I replied, mouth full of warm cronut. "Mm oh my god so good…"
"See, this is why you need my help. Bring her tonight, we'll have fun. Ry you coming?"
"Ha! Pass, thanks."
"Fine, Marta, she's gotta pay for that."
"Put it on my tab."
"You have a tab here?" Barry exclaimed. "You have a problem."
"I…yes. Yes, I do. Hey, why don't you all come over tonight beforehand? We can have a few drinks before you head over?"
"Sounds like a plan!" Iris grinned wickedly, before rushing over to help a table.
"Why are you helping her? You never help her." Barry whined, glaring half-heartedly at me.
"Because for once she may be on to something. I mean, my girl came all the way from Starling City to see you. On top of that, she's got killer brains and a smoking bod and honestly you'd be fucking stupid if you don't jump on this opportunity."
"Thanks, Ry."
"Hey, don't say I never did anything for you. Now I'm out of here, if I stay any longer they're gonna have to roll me out of here. See you tonight lover boy."
"Where's Felicity?" Iris panicked, as she blew into my apartment in a whirlwind, Eddie firmly in tow.
"She's going to meet us there." Barry rolled his eyes, the two of us already nursing a glass of wine.
"Eddie, dahling, good to see you. Have a drink, Iris have two, you're more nervous than Barry." I cheered from my lounging position, smooth jazz languidly lilted through the air. The sound was relaxing, my body hummed contently, relishing in the vibes.
"Oh, ho, what's this? Wow, how long ago was this taken?" Eddie grinned, examining my photo shelf.
"High school, I want to say, junior year? Iris what year did you go with Jake Landry to prom?"
"I saw Danny Rowland at your locker today." Iris teased, heading home from school.
"Yes, we're partnered on a history project. He wanted to know when I was available."
"Just for the project?"
"Yeah, why?"
"No reason other than he's gorgeous and was talking to you for a while," Iris gushed, elbowing me in the side.
"Nothing to report, sorry."
"You going to ask him to prom?"
"No! Are you crazy?"
"What! He's cute and totally your type; plus, he asked to partner with you on the project."
"Because I aced the last three tests and he's looking for an easy grade. Besides, he's dating Becky Holloway."
"Nope, they broke up three days ago."
"How do you know that?"
"I make it my business to know these things."
"Snoop," I laughed, shaking my head.
"I like to be in the know!"
"If you care so much why don't you go with him?"
"I already have a date."
"Of course you do, who?"
"Jake Landry." A smug smile danced across her face.
"Soccer forward Jake Landry? Damn, Iris, very nice!"
"He's very sweet actually, asked me this morning before homeroom." She smiled shyly. I can tell she's excited.
"When do you want to go dress shopping?" I asked.
"Soon, I want to hit that cute place on 17th."
"Sounds good to me, we should go before the weekend that way we get first pick."
"Good idea! Hey, you coming over tonight?"
"I can,"
"Awesome. Barry got the first season of 'The X-Files' on DVD and wants to marathon it."
"Wow we're really partying hard tonight."
"Oo! Donovan's cute and totally available." Iris slapped my arm as he strolled past.
"Why aren't you pestering Barry about prom?"
"Trust me, I am."
"Hey! Where have you been?" I called, lounging on the sofa, nibbling on a pop tart.
"Science club, where's Iris?"
"Jake stopped by, they went for a walk."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, discussing matching colors and all that Jazz I'm sure."
"What for?"
"Oh, he asked her to prom this morning."
"Oh…great."
"Please, contain your enthusiasm."
"No, I mean, I'm surprised she wasn't asked already."
"Me too actually, but you know Iris."
"Yeah," he trailed off plopping on the sofa next to me. "She's been trying to get me to ask out someone for weeks now."
"Same! Just earlier she saw Danny Rowland and I talking at my locker and I had to hear the whole way home how cute we would be together." I rolled my eyes, sticking out my tongue. Barry chuckled, picking up my legs, draping them over his lap.
"You mean no one's asked you yet?"
"You would know if they had."
"I'm just surprised."
"Yeah, well, Joe and I were going to go but then we broke up and now he's taking Amy—"
"Cheerleader Amy?" he blanched, eyes lighting up.
"Yes," I replied tersely, eyeing him.
"Oh, um wow, sucks to be her."
"Not helping." I kicked him lightly, huffing a little. He smirked lightly, nestling into the couch. We sat in silence for a while, just watching TV.
"So," Barry started.
"So."
"Uh," I glanced at Barry out of the corner of my eye. He looked like he does when he's desperately trying to keep his cool. His eyes darted between me and the TV, his hands gripping my leg for support.
"What's wrong, sailor?" My lip quirked, keeping my eyes trained on the television.
"Well, um, I figured if you weren't going with anyone, and I'm not going with anyone…"
"Why Barry Allen, are you asking me to prom?" I feigned innocence, a wide grin spread across my face.
"Yes, I mean, not unless you don't want to, which is fine."
"Whoa, whoa, easy tiger," I laughed, sitting up facing him. "Of course I do."
"Really?"
"Yeah! Who better to go with than your best friend? At least we're sure to have a good time."
"Exactly," Barry relaxed significantly.
"Nervous much? I'd hate to see you ask a real girl out."
"You are a real girl."
"But you're my best friend, it doesn't count."
"Sure it does."
"Aren't you a flatterer."
"I try," he beamed quite charmingly.
"You know, if you smile like that, I bet you could get Cheerleader Amy to go with you."
"Really? You think? Well then forget this!"
"Oh shut up!" I squawked kicking him repeatedly, as he laughed until tears welled in his eyes. We fought in a fit of side splitting giggles, wrestling about the sofa, me yelling obscenities at him, and he attempting to pin me down.
"You're such a shit!" I screeched, cackling until my sides hurt. Our breaths came in ragged puffs before I flopped on top of him, my head in his lap. His fingers curled in my hair mindlessly, playing with my locks, our attention turning back to the cartoons on the screen.
"Do we have to match?"
"Absolutely."
"Damn."
"So you were always a meddler, good to know." Eddie teased, twirling a strand of Iris' hair.
Iris fingered the eight by ten frames of our prom photos. "Oh god, Jake Landry; that's a name I haven't thought about in years."
"You two were so ridiculously good looking together I swear." Eddie flashed me a side-long glare.
"What? I'm not your girlfriend let her stroke your ego." I winked jokingly.
"You and Allen sure look cozy." Eddie responded raising an eyebrow tauntingly.
"What did you say to me there?" I asked Barry, who smirked fondly at the memory.
"You don't remember?" He questioned playfully.
"Vaguely."
"I don't want to do the prom pose."
"What do you mean?"
"You know, the 'prom pose'. It's so boring!"
"Well what do you want to do?"
"I don't know."
"Well we're up next."
"Uh—" my eyes darted around the room, attempting to drum up an idea on the fly.
"Next please!"
"Uh—Jack and Diane."
"What?"
"Leo and Kate."
"What are y—"
"Tommy and Gina! Lucy and Ricky!"
"I was trying so hard to convey to you what I was thinking." I defended, slightly embarrassed.
"It was the best I could think of on the fly."
"It works." I conceded flashing him a toothy obnoxious grin, to which he flung a pillow at me. I couldn't hide a stupid grin at the memory: Barry grabbed me by the wrist, spinning me around to face him. He dipped me back, just enough, our noses just grazing, and does the cheesiest Ricky Ricardo impression I've ever heard before bursting into a fit of laughter. My toothy grin flashed, my eyes danced, and Barry's nose scrunched ever so slightly as he grinned like a fool. No picture will ever top this one.
"Do it."
"Absolutely not."
"You've gotten boring in your old age, Allen." I tutted, downing the rest of my wine glass; Eddie graciously refilling it for me.
"Trying to get me drunk, Thawne?" I cheered, taking another healthy sip.
"Wouldn't dream of it."
"Aw, too bad," I pouted shooting him a salacious wink. Eddie's eyes widened, his cheeks flushing slightly.
Iris giggled, swatting my arm. "Ignore her Eddie."
"Sweetheart, you couldn't if you tried." I purred, narrowing my eyes at Iris.
"Believe me, I've tried. Oh geez, babe we've got to go or we're gonna miss trivia. You sure you're not coming Ry?"
"Positive, I've got these portraits to sort through, I'm already a week late with them." Try two, but who's counting? Besides my clients.
"Barry you coming?"
"I'll meet you guys there." Barry waved, ushering them out.
"Don't be late!" Iris warned, jabbing her finger into his chest before striding past Eddie out the door. I slumped unceremoniously, legs dangling over the armchair.
"How do you do it?" I moaned quietly, pressing my forehead into the armrest.
"Do what?" Barry questioned, flopping onto the couch.
"Keep your shit together? You're juggling a job, S.T.A.R Labs, and saving the city. I'm way behind in my work, I can barely stay afloat, don't even get me started on all these secrets, and if I have to hear Dr. Wells' 'greater good bigger picture' speech again as Caitlin sticks me in the arm I'm going to lose my shit."
"They have to, you know that."
"Does not mean I have to like it."
"They are your friends—"
"No, they are your friends!" I snapped. Barry's eyes widen and I feel instantly bad seeing his crestfallen face. "Look, they saved your life, I'll never forget that. I just…I just don't like being told what to do. I came because you promised they could help me get control of my abilities, I did not sign up to be constantly monitored and policed."
"Look, I know Caitlin can be a bit—"
"Rude? Condescending?"
"Yeah, she's been through a lot this past year. You two are a lot alike actually, just give her a chance. As far as Cisco goes, I'm not supposed to tell you this, but he is like incredibly excited about you joining the squad and has been working on a suit for you."
"You are so bad at keeping secrets oh my god, how does Iris not know about you? Does Dr. Wells have a hit on you if you talk? Like, are we being followed by assassins?" I ducked, barely evading a throw pillow. "Tsk, tsk, getting sloppy Allen, looks like you need more training sessions. Maybe Felicity can give you a private tutoring session." I grinned salaciously as Barry's face turned a twinge of pink before flipping me off and slamming the door behind him.
"Good night!"
I woke to the sound of my phone buzzing in my ear. Oh god, tell me I didn't drool on the photos! Who is calling me anyway?
"Cisco? What's up? Everything okay?"
"No, meet us in the Lab. Now."
"Shit, okay I'll be there soon."
"Here! Here! Sorry I'm late. Sorry—"
"After all we've been through, I thought you trusted me. I thought we were friends!" Barry cried angrily.
"We are Barry," Cisco implored.
"If you had just told me I could have been prepared! But instead, someone died tonight."
"What the hell is going on?"
"Not now, Ryleigh." Dr. Wells interjected heatedly.
"Yes, right now! What the hell happened?"
"Those criminals from the armored truck? That was Leonard Snart, a criminal mastermind, who is now in possession of a cryogenic weapon purposely designed to kill me."
"What the fuck!"
"Ryleigh I—"
"What about 'S.T.A.R Labs is here to protect Barry Allen'? Huh? 'We want what's best for Barry Allen'. What a load of shit, and to think I almost believed it!"
"Ryleigh, calm down."
"No! I will not fucking calm down, Barry. These people built a weapon for the sole purpose of putting you down, you don't think that's fucked up? No? Just me?"
"Look," Barry shouted, gripping my shoulders. "Someone died tonight Ryleigh. Don't you get that? Someone died tonight because I wasn't fast enough." His eyes searched mine, they were angry, imploring. I shook my head, a rogue tear sliding down my cheek. I don't know what to say. His grip on me loosened, and he disappeared down the hall towards the treadmill.
"Let him go," Dr. Wells commanded, wheeling into the other room.
"I'll go," Felicity whispered, squeezing my arm reassuringly, before disappearing down the hall after him.
I messaged my temples, trying to get my emotions under control. This room is full of glass and monitors; I can't afford a slip up in here.
"Can I talk to you?" Cisco beseeched from behind me.
"You build a gun for me too? You might want to grab it just in case."
"I deserve that." Cisco nodded sadly, "You have to understand, what happened here a year ago, the kind of evil that sprouted from it—we thought we were revolutionary. Then the explosion happened…I honestly didn't know what to expect. I had to be prepared." I hate that it makes sense. I don't want it to. It's Barry for crying out loud, but, they didn't know him like I do.
"You should have told him."
"Hindsight." Cisco shrugged half-heartedly, a failed attempt at humor. I cracked a smile anyway. Too many sessions with Caitlin Snow and Cisco Ramon, tethered to Barry's side would not allow me to believe there was any malicious intent involved in this decision. I sighed deeply, quelling my rage.
"So what do we do now?"
"We?"
"That's what I said," I glanced stoically at Cisco, who finally cracked a smile.
"Well then, I think you're going to like this. Mind you, it's still a proto type, but maybe we can test it out. What do you say?" His excitement built with every step he took towards his pet project. With a press of a button, a secret display door slid open revealing the coolest super suit I have ever seen. It was sleek, shiny, red flex suit with black trim, thigh high boots and gloves to match.
"It's perfect," I whispered in awe, petting the sliding glass. "Can I try it on?"
"I would be insulted if you didn't. Also, it's no Party City Mask, but it has all the bells and whistles and suits you well, if I do say so myself." He placed the mask in my hands gingerly, obviously proud of his creation. It was a domino mask, designed to mimic the scales of a mermaid tale. Red, gold, and black danced in a blend of color.
"It's strong as steel, and if you're hit directly in the face it can be wicked sharp. It's designed to not only protect your face, but allows me to see and track you when I need to. Don't worry, it's only if you need help I swear."
"Thank you." I breathed, entranced by the beauty and thoughtfulness of it.
"Well, when I heard 'Siren' I immediately thought of folk tales and mermaid legends."
"It's perfect," I nodded.
"It needs tweaking obviously, once we have a full scope of your abilities, we can hone it to perfectly suit your needs. It's better than that beat up leather jumpsuit. Honestly? Throw that away now please. If you ever where it here again, I'll destroy it myself."
"Fair enough." Cisco smile diminished, his brow furrowing deeply. I could practically see the wheels turning in his head. "That's it! Why didn't I think of it before? Go round everyone up. Hurry!"
"What are you talking about? Cisco!" I shouted, but he had already turned the corner and was long gone.
"I figured out a way to track Captain Cold." Cisco blurted, his fingers dancing wildly over his tablet. I nudged Barry, who shrugged me off, fixating on a monitor, his back decidedly to the rest of the group.
"You gotta stop naming these guys." Caitlin chastised playfully, attempting to lighten the obvious tension in the room.
"Barry, listen to him." Doctor Wells commanded, earning a deep, petulant sigh from Barry.
"How?" He rolled his eyes, refusing to look directly at Cisco. Yes, now is definitely the time to act like children.
"The cold gun is powered by an engine-control unit. A microcomputer that regulates air-to-fuel ratio so the sub-cooled fluid in the chambers don't overflow and—"
"Explode," Felicity finished.
"Right! This ECU was receiving updates wirelessly from my tablet. If I boost the signal using Central City's network, we'll get a ping back and then…"
"We find Waldo." I smirked, gliding over to an image of Leonard Snart's mugshot. There you are. "Can I?" I pleaded, tingling in anticipation.
"Of course!"
"Yes! Yes! Yes! I am so ready for this!" Without missing a beat, I took off down the corridor into the first room. The suit was form fitting, but stretchy, giving me full range of motion. The material was surprisingly thick, almost rubbery in texture, the boots similar in texture, with plenty of flexibility. Heels? Really? I'm supposed to run in—oh…right on! Thick square heels, not only provided excellent support, but amplified the sounds, each click against the hard floor emitted a perfect pitch, echoing through the room as I fumbled to put the other on. That is brilliant. The mask had no attachments, and when contact with my skin was made, a slight burning sensation tingled against the material as if I lathered it in icy hot before applying. The sensation tightened; drying, and then fusing to my flesh. I tugged lightly at the edges, but it wouldn't budge. I felt powerful, sexy, and incredibly bad ass.
"Cisco dude, you out did yourself."
"Wow…" He grinned, his eyes lighting up as he took in his creation. "It definitely suits you."
"Ready?" Barry nodded, already suited up, electricity sparking around him like a giant conductor.
"No time, we have Snart's location let's go."
"You turned your earpiece off? How are we going to talk to each other?"
"I don't feel like talking right now."
"Uh-uh. No way. There has to be a better way. We cannot do this every time!"
"Fine! Ugh, just let me-damn it Barry!" I hate this, oh god I hate this! The world came abruptly back into focus and I was standing in a moving train face to face with Leonard Snart.
"There's nowhere to run!" Barry bellowed, stepping in front of me slightly as Snart trained the cryo gun between his eyes.
"I didn't see you before, does your mom know you're out past your bedtime? And you, looks like someone got an upgrade; I like." He nodded approvingly, flashing me a seedy smirk.
"If you wanted to get away, you should have taken something faster than a train."
"That's if I wanted to get away." Wait, what? "I've seen your weakness. At the armored car, then at the theatre. So while you're busy saving everybody, I'll be saving myself." The gun began to whir to life, and I grabbed Barry pulling him behind me as the floor of the train car froze through to the brakes. Passengers began screaming, and in the chaos, the fucking scumbag ripped open the sealed doors. "Good luck with that!" He cackled, before vaulting to freedom. Fuck! Fuck, what are we going to do? The car began to sway on the tracks gaining momentum. I turned to Barry frantically, as car screeched, veering off of the tracks completely, tumbling out of control. I felt Barry's hands wrap around my waist, and flung me out the shattered window. The screeching and vibrations of scraping metal overwhelmed my senses, giving me a headache. Too loud. Get your shit together, this is the big leagues Ry. Barry collided with the ground, barely making it out of the last train car in time.
"No!" a cryo beam blasted Barry's fallen figure, Leonard Snart standing over him, tauntingly.
My entire body buzzed with power and rage. My gloved fists began to glow a deep red, shaking with pent up energy. In a fury, I pounded my fists into the dirt, the impact creating a seismic wave. The ground shook wildly, rippling towards Snart, flinging the both of them into the air like beach balls. Holy shit. Snart struggled to stand, grasping for the cryogenic gun.
"Drop it," Cisco? Caitlin? Felicity? Thank god. "This is a prototype cold gun, four times the size, four times the power."
"Your hands are shaking; you've never killed anyone."
"First time for everything, Captain Cold." Cisco spat. Leonard's face lit up at the name, the whisper of a laugh escaping his lips.
"I will shoot you." Cisco insisted, refusing to back down. Leonard's eyes trained on me, as I made my way towards them.
"Not bad, not bad at all. I'd work on my aim though."
"I'd listen to him if I were you." Leonard smirked, obviously weighing his options.
"You win, kid. I'll see you around. He glanced at Barry, and then at me, nodding slightly before leaving.
"Hey! Leave the diamond." Oh Cisco…
"Don't push your luck." Whew. I let out a heavy breath I didn't realize I was holding.
"Couldn't shoot him if I wanted to," Cisco admitted, powering down the 'gun'. "This is actually a S.T.A.R Labs vacuum cleaner."
"Do you think you could have shared that after we got back to the lab?" I cried, gearing up for a potential round two, god forbid, if he heard us.
"Come on champ," I nudged Barry with my foot.
"Let's get you warm." Felicity dropped to her knees, examining Barry for any serious injuries.
"Thank you." Barry nodded gratefully, clasping Cisco's hand firmly.
"Good, the gang's back together, the day is won, let's get the hell out of here." I growled, kicking a flaming piece of train car. "I don't want to get caught by Joe or Eddie. God knows they'll be here any minute."
"So seismic waves are something we can add to the list; excellent." Dr. Wells imported the data to my file. "Well done, Miss. Gallagher, I'd love to run some tests and see how far we can push that ability under different conditions. I'm glad to know Barry has someone out there backing him up."
"Likewise. I'm glad I have…all of you as well. I have no idea what I'm fully capable of, and that scares me. To know I have people looking out for me…thank you."
"Glad to have you part of the team."
"Glad to be part of it."
"Speaking of teams, I should probably get back to mine." Felicity sighed, slowly approaching Barry, coat in hand.
"It's nice meeting you, Miss. Smoak. Please extend a hello to The Arrow for us."
"I will," she nodded, offering a small, sad smile. Barry stepped closer, wrapping her in a tight hug.
"Bye, Felicity."
"Bye, Barry." She exchanged one, final, meaningful glance before turning, her heels clicking down the hall. Barry stood gazing after her.
"Remarkable young woman." Dr. Wells nodded, a small, knowing smile played at the corner of his lips.
"She's special," Cisco agreed.
"Yeah, she is." His reply wistful.
"You're so stupid." I groaned, smacking him firmly in the back of the head.
"Ow! Why?"
"Because you out of your damn mind! Go after her!"
"Really? Are you sure?"
"Iris was right; you do need help. Go on Wonder Boy, go get your girl!" I smacked his ass playfully, "Later awesome nerds. See you all tomorrow. Cisco, ten out of ten on the suit good buddy. Can't wait to fully break it in."
"Aren't you going to leave the ma—"
"No."
Definitely got to hand it to Cisco, that suit absorbed quite a bit of fall damage but ugh, not enough of it. A purple bruise enveloped the better part of my back. I mean I was tossed from a moving train, check that off my bucket list. Nngh, that is going to ache like a son of a bitch tomorrow. Seeking familiar comfort, I put on Dad's worn out Clapton album. It was scratchy, and dull, but the sound was soothing and reminded me of rain storms, Dad's off key singing, and…a soft pounding at my door.
"It's unlocked!" I shouted from my languid position on the sofa.
"How did you know it was me?" Barry chided, slipping in.
"I didn't."
"That's so not safe."
"What? Robbers don't knock. Besides there is nothing worth stealing in here besides the week old white rice in the fridge and half a bottle of Merlot. Actually, you should bring that over here since you're up." Barry shook his head, suppressing a grin and followed orders, assuming his position on the other side of me. "So?"
"So…"
"Come on, dude!" Barry's cheeks turned pink a sheepish grin spread across his face. "I knew it! And?"
"And... she's on her way to Starling City."
"So that's that?"
"That's that."
"I'm sorry,"
"Don't be. This is good. We are where we're meant to be."
Author's Note: So I had a blast writing this, and delving deeper into Layla's abilities. Upgrades to her super suit were an absolute must for this chapter, now we can move forward and really delve deeper into her abilities and relationship with Team Flash.
Reviews are loved and ideas are always accepted and appreciated.
Muah! XOXO - N