A/N: Hi! In response to the reviews chapter one got: Review 1. (Guest) no, there are no metahumans in this story. I decided to base it completely in the S.H.I.E.L.D. universe, so I didn't have to alternate between Inhumans and metahumans. But you might see some of your favorite metahumans later on (they'll be called Inhumans, but they'll be the same characters)… something to keep in mind. Review 2. (Castlestar4) I'm glad you're enjoying it! It makes me really happy that you like it so far. I'm very excited for the upcoming chapters.

I'm going to update every two weeks for now. I have multiple chapters ready, but I want updates to be consistent, and since school is picking up and I don't know how much time I'll have to work on it each week - it's easier to just say every two weeks you'll have a new chapter. I hope you enjoy chapter two!

"They go through a transformation and get powers," Cisco said.

"That's right," Jemma said. "Certain people react with terrigen crystals. Their DNA is altered, and while that happens their body is covered in a rocky husk. When the husk opens, the Inhuman emerges with powers of some sort. That's the run-down version of it, anyway, but it serves our purposes for now."

"I've never heard of terrigen crystals before," Barry said. "You said something about fish oil?"

"When Daisy first got her powers, she went to stay with a world of Inhumans. They had the terrigen crystals collected, and a few months ago they planned to spread them to create more Inhumans. We managed to stop them, but the crystals fell into the ocean, where the fish were contaminated… and then the fish oil capsules that were produced contained traces of terrigen, causing any potential Inhumans to change when they took the supplement."

"How did it happen for you?" Fitz asked Barry, leaning in with his arms crossed.

"I take fish oil whenever I remember to," Barry said, "which ends up being about once a month. I finally had to open a new bottle last week. I took one and got covered in this rocky crust before I could even move. When I got out I was vibrating, and I realized I had super speed."

"He came to us first," Dr. Snow said. "He couldn't stop vibrating, so it wasn't safe for him to go to work or to see his family. Now he can use his speed when he wants to."

"He just can't stop right," Cisco said.

"The good thing is I heal pretty quickly." Barry took off the bandage on his cheek, revealing a fresh layer of slightly pink skin where there had been abrasions. Jemma scooted almost out of her seat, her mouth parting as she looked at it. It was almost completely healed.

"That's incredible," Jemma said, thinking out loud. "I wonder how fast the cells have to move to regenerate so quickly?"

"The speed must affect him down to the molecular level," Fitz said.

"Maybe if we take a sample -,"

"- we can determine exactly how quickly the cells are moving –,"

"-and optimize the control he has over it."

Jemma realized the three were staring between her and Fitz, Cisco with an open mouth. She looked at Fitz from the corner of her eye, a faint warmth in her cheeks as she smiled.

"That was impressive," Barry said, leaning back.

Cisco was still staring at them. "How?" he asked. "How is that so natural for you?"

"We've spent a lot of time together," Fitz said simply.

Cisco looked like he knew there was more to the story, but he relaxed. "So what organization are you with?"

"The Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement and Logistics Division," Jemma said.

"We usually call it S.H.I.E.L.D."

Dr. Snow's eyes narrowed slightly at the name, and Jemma knew the scientist was thinking of S.H.I.E.L.D. being in the news in recent years – because of HYDRA. Jemma started to shake her head at her, trying to assuage any misgivings Dr. Snow might be having about them. Dr. Snow met her eyes, her lips pressed together, and then looked away, leaving Jemma wondering if she believed her.

"We can't start running tests until we get back to the Playground," Jemma said, "but it seems like your lab is above average in multiple ways. I would guess you've already run some of the tests we're thinking of."

"Caitlin ran some the day I got out of the cocoon," Barry said. "You were right when you were… uh, theorizing before. My metabolism is working much faster than normal, so if I don't get enough calories I pass out. My cells are racing through my body."

"The terrigen seems to have created an electric charge inside him," Dr. Snow said. It seemed as if she hadn't wanted to speak, but couldn't keep herself from explaining the science. "The electricity travels throughout his cells, maximizing their energy output and increasing their function above anything I've ever seen. It keeps him in peak physical condition for the parameters of his body, with minimal effort on his part."

Jemma looked at Barry, wondering exactly what that meant. Barry bit his lower lip, fighting a smile. "She means it gave me abs," he said.

"Oh," Jemma said, as Fitz gave a low harrumph and looked at the floor.

"It isn't like I was unhealthy before," Barry said, a tad defensively. "I just wasn't as defined as I am now. I've always been kind of scrawny."

"Yeah, I used to be like that too," Fitz said quickly. Jemma touched his leg sympathetically, suddenly understanding.

"Do you guys run S.H.I.E.L.D.?" Cisco asked.

"No, that would be Coulson," Jemma said. "You'll meet him soon enough. We're part of the team he picked after the invasion of New York."

Fitz smiled, seeming comfortable with the conversation again. "I'm engineering, she's biochem."

Cisco half-smiled, as if both amused and uneasy. "That's kind of us, too," he said, gesturing between himself and Caitlin. "But we don't speak together like you two."

"No one does," Daisy said, walking back in. "I found the autopilot button," she said sheepishly as she sat down. "Fitz-Simmons are one of a kind."

"Tess seemed to take a shine to you," Cisco said.

"She seems like a wonderful boss," Jemma said.

"Tess is sweet. Whenever Dr. Wells is stuck on something and she comes up with part of the solution, she lets him think it was him." Cisco grinned. "It's a great place to work."

"I know how you feel," Daisy said. "It's the same way I feel about S.H.I.E.L.D."

Jemma noticed Dr. Snow's eyes tighten again, almost imperceptibly. She doubted anyone would notice if they weren't as meticulous with details as she was. She just hoped Dr. Snow warmed up to them soon. It would be much easier to help Barry with her assistance.

0-0

"You barely flinched," Jemma said.

"Caitlin's taken my blood a few times recently," Barry said as he applied pressure to his arm. "That's all you need?"

"For the moment, yes. Daisy and Fitz should have gotten your rooms all set up." She started running the analysis of the blood and turned to face him. "The other Inhumans they've helped have been required to stay in isolated, power-dampening containment units. You've already got more control than they did, so Coulson said you can have a more traditional room."

"They've helped?"

Jemma looked at Dr. Snow. The scientist had insisted on coming to the lab, which was no problem for Jemma. It was the first time she'd spoken since they'd gotten back, though. "Could you repeat that?" Jemma asked.

"You said they've helped Inhumans. Does that mean you haven't?"

Jemma was almost stunned at the minute observation. She pressed her lips together for a second as she decided how much to say. "We discovered Inhumans together, as a team. I wasn't here when S.H.I.E.L.D. started actively looking for Inhumans to help. I've only been back a few weeks."

She thought she saw a glimmer of curiosity in both sets of eyes, but they didn't press for more details, for which she was thankful. She knew she had failed at sounding like it was a casual thing, but she didn't know if she would ever be able to talk about her time on Maveth without partially reliving it – and nothing about that experience was casual.

Barry pulled out his phone when it buzzed and almost smiled. "Cisco said he picked the best room for himself because we took too long."

"I can show you to the rooms now if you'd like," Jemma said. "The Playground can take a little getting used to."

"Thanks," Barry said, putting his phone away.

"So how is this going to work?" Dr. Snow asked. "Do you have a track for him to practice on?"

"No. Fitz will work something out once we know more about Barry's abilities."

"I've broken two treadmills," Barry said in a warning tone.

Now Jemma almost smiled. "Fitz's designs are very good."

"Maybe Cisco can help," Dr. Snow said. "He's good with technology too."

There was no warmth in that statement, but there wasn't any cold in it either. Progress. Jemma was intrigued by these three, to say the least. If they did start collaborating with her team, they could do a lot of good. They just had to trust each other.

"Here we are," Jemma said as she rounded the corner to the rooms. The door to one of them was open, and she could hear Fitz's voice inside, closely followed by what must have been Cisco's laugh. Stepping into the room revealed the two of them standing in front of a portable whiteboard, each with a marker in his hand.

"What's going on?" Barry asked.

They turned to them, and Jemma noticed that Fitz had been laughing as well, from the crinkle near his eyes. "We knew we'd need some sort of track for you to run, or at least something to let you run at your top speed," Fitz said.

"I've been thinking about it for a few days," Cisco said. "We started bouncing around ideas."

"Why is there a monkey?" Dr. Snow asked.

Both men started cracking up a bit, and Jemma had to bite her lip to keep from laughing.

"Is that supposed to be me?" Barry asked, walking over to it.

"Don't look at me," Cisco said, holding his hands up. "This guy said we should use a monkey."

"Neither of us can draw people very well," Fitz said in self-defense. "And monkeys are adorable."

Barry was still studying it with a somewhat confused expression. "Whatever works," he finally said, wiping his hand across his face.

"I'm going to Coulson now to see if we can get the materials we'll need tomorrow," Fitz said, looking at Jemma. "We're confident we can build it in a few days."

"That's great," Barry said.

"We should let you settle in," Jemma said. "The rooms on either side are free."

"Thank you," Dr. Snow said.

Jemma dipped her head as she and Fitz walked out. "We'll do dinner in a bit, if you'd like to join," Fitz called over his shoulder.

"Fitz, they don't know where the kitchen is, let alone the dining room."

"I'm confident they can find it," Fitz said. "And we never use the dining room."

Jemma studied him. "So you were drawing up designs with Cisco."

"He's really gifted. The work will be much faster with his help." He seemed amused. "You're not jealous, are you?"

She scoffed. "Of course not."

She saw him smirk from the corner of her eye, and knew he didn't believe her.

0-0

Barry looked around the room. It was about the size of a college dorm room, with a twin bed, desk, dresser, and bookshelf. Overall, more than he'd expected. If he'd actually packed things, it would be cozy.

He felt his phone buzz for the fifth time since they'd reached the rooms. "Iris has been texting me," he said, without having to look. Caitlin and Cisco looked over. "I put notes in at S.T.A.R. Labs for all of us, and for me at CCPD, claiming vacation days. That won't cut it with Joe and Iris."

"I don't know if the truth is the right answer," Cisco said hesitantly.

"They know I wouldn't just run out on a vacation." Barry raked his fingers through his hair. They'd been worried enough when he'd stayed away from them for a week, because he'd thought he would lose control of himself near them and put them in danger. He'd tried to make up for it in the last week, going to dinner more than usual and bringing Joe coffee every morning. Unfortunately, he was pretty sure that only made them more convinced that something was wrong. And now that he was gone again… "They're gonna freak."

"Tell them I had a family emergency," Caitlin said. She raised her eyebrows, thinking quickly. "They don't know where my mother lives. You could say I didn't want to go alone?"

"Maybe without the higher voice at the end," Cisco said. "But that could work."

Barry hesitated, and then nodded. He knew he would have to lie, and it was as good as any. "I'll go call her."

Caitlin touched his arm sympathetically as he passed, and he walked into the room to the right of Cisco's as he hit speed dial two. Iris answered on the second ring. "Barry, hi!" she said. He could hear the relief in her tone, and a sting of guilt turned down his lips. "I've been trying to reach you all afternoon! Dad said you weren't at work when he left."

"Yeah, I left early."

"Barry, where are you? Are you okay?"

"Iris, I'm fine," he said quickly, his voice stronger than hers. "Caitlin had a family emergency, and Cisco and I are helping her out."

"Oh my God, is everything okay?"

"I'm not completely sure," he lied. "But she needs us to stay with her for a little while. You understand, right?"

"Yeah," Iris said, the suspicion completely gone from her voice. "Yeah, of course you should be there for her." She was quiet for a few seconds. "I was just worried about you. You've been acting weird lately."

"I know. It's just stress."

"If you're sure." It was the only part of the conversation he didn't think she completely believed, but she let it drop. "Just keep me in the loop, okay? Let me know what's going on."

"I promise," he said softly, his eyes downcast. "Tell Joe I'm sorry I worried you guys. I'll call again soon."

"Bye, Barr."

He put his phone away, taking a moment to recompose himself before going back to the others. "She bought it," he said when Cisco and Caitlin stopped talking.

"Hey, it's for the best," Cisco said. "These guys live in a place called the Playground; they probably keep secrets from a lot of people."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

Caitlin had her eyes out the open doorway. Barry looked over his shoulder for a second, and then shook himself out of it. "I think we can trust them," he said. "They seem like good people."

"What about HYDRA?" Caitlin asked in a lower voice.

"I don't get that vibe at all," Cisco said. "Besides, we don't even know if HYDRA's a threat anymore. You're just being overly cautious."

"Maybe," Caitlin admitted.

"Let's go see if we can find the kitchen," Barry suggested. Hopefully Caitlin would warm up to the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents soon. Barry knew he already was. There was something about them that felt familiar. He was happy when they found the kitchen on their first try, and heard a chorus of voices coming from the room. More than Fitz, Simmons, and Daisy. Looks like it's time to meet the rest of the team, he thought.

He didn't know why he was surprised at the number of people in the kitchen, dishing out soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Fitz was talking to a tall black man at the stove, who was holding a spatula as he waited to flip a sandwich. Simmons and Daisy were leaning on the counter waiting for food as a middle-age man and woman walked to the table. Another woman with blonde hair was ladling the soup into bowls.

It was a surprisingly familial scene, and made Barry think of dinner at the West house. He realized that was why they felt familiar. In the short time he'd interacted with them, they'd reminded him more of a family than a team of agents. Everyone looked up when Barry, Cisco, and Caitlin entered the kitchen, the chatter fading.

"Hi," Barry said.

"Told you they could find their way," Fitz said, breaking the silence.

"We've been in worse labyrinths," Cisco said, walking closer. "So is this sandwich up for grabs?" he asked, reaching for a loaded plate.

"You want soup to go with it?" the blonde woman asked.

"Hit me," Cisco said. He accepted the cup with an appreciative smile and walked right to the table. Leave it to Cisco to jump right in.

"Food's gonna get cold if no one eats it," the black man said, "and I'm not making extra."

"We're being rude," the middle-aged man said. "Grab some food and a seat, and we can talk." He cast them a warm look. "You picked a good night to come. Bobbi's soup is amazing."

0-0

The man was right about the soup. Cisco dunked his grilled cheese in it and demolished it in minutes. After he ate, and as the others did at a more typical pace, introductions were given. There was big, kind-hearted Mack, whom Cisco guessed could be pretty scary going after bad guys. Bobbi, offering witty remarks (and he wouldn't forget that she was the one who made the soup). The man was Phil Coulson, the leader of this team and Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. He wasn't what Cisco had pictured in his head. He kind of seemed like a geek. The other woman was called May. She didn't say much.

Mack did make more sandwiches, after Simmons told him Barry needed more calories. Cisco was only slightly jealous, but contented himself with telling the others all about S.T.A.R. Labs. He was chuckling as he finished a story from the week before. "So Dr. Wells turns to us and is like 'why did the three of you disappear for the day?' and Caitlin just blurts out the first thing she thinks of. You know what she says?" He looked at her and saw a flush of amusement and embarrassment in her cheeks, and grinned. "She says 'We were planning a surprise for you.' Meanwhile his birthday was a month ago, and his anniversary with Tess isn't for another few months. So he's staring at us and Caitlin's looking more and more like a deer in headlights, and Tess swoops in and says 'you guys took my hint way too seriously; you've got a while to plan this year,'." He realized the others weren't finding it nearly as funny, and that a certain amount of backstory was what gave it the humor, and his grin weakened. "I guess you had to be there," he said.

"It sounds like a great place," Bobbi said.

"It's got a lot of good tech, too," Barry said.

"Just you wait," Mack told them. "S.H.I.E.L.D.'s got some pretty sweet tech."

"Is that a challenge?" Cisco asked.

"We're going to pick up the supplies for the treadmill tomorrow," Fitz said. "You'll see then."

"May and Mack are going to go with you two to pick up metal nearby. Simmons and Daisy will give Barry a field assessment."

"So straight to work," Daisy said.

"This may be the most normal Inhuman case we've had, but we still have a protocol to follow. The first step is assessing his powers." Coulson stood. "I expect everyone to be going by eight."

Cisco looked at Daisy, who blew air out one side of her mouth. Maybe Coulson fit the image of Director a bit more than Cisco had originally thought. "Sounds like we're getting up early," Cisco said. He looked around the table. "Who's gonna be my alarm clock?"

"Don't worry," Caitlin said. "I doubt anyone will be sleeping in tomorrow."

Cisco realized that most of the team seemed eager for the next day, and let his joke fade. Fitz and Simmons seemed especially interested, which made part of Cisco tentative. He had a feeling their interest related to a lot of work.

He was glad they had the night to prepare themselves.