The song for this chapter is Rachel Diggs – Hand of Time

CAITLIN'S POV:

"What's going on?" I demanded as two large buff black guys grabbed me up while I walked down the hall. "Why are you doing this?" I struggled against their grip as panic filled me. A shorter bald guy with a smirk pulled his phone to his ear. "You've been ducking us, but you still owe Tribianni the money, kid." He threatened with and New Jersey accent. He met my eyes with excitement. "As an incentive, we've got ourselves a new house guest."

I tried to scream, but they stuffed a rag in my mouth and stuck me with what I thought was a needle to the neck before they took me outside. Things got hazy.

"I'm sure she's going to love it."

The guys threw me into the car and before I knew it I was out like a light.

Some time later I woke with a headache and dry mouth with my wrists tied to a warm radiator. My vision blurred as I blinked. Where was I? My memories came back up until the guys took me.

"Oh, there you are." A man crouched down in front of me while my vision cleared. He wore a cocky grin and I couldn't figure out why because he was short, bald, and ugly. "You had me worried there for a little, sweetheart."

My eyes rolled, reminding me of my headache. "Where am I? You have the wrong person, I don't have your money."

"Your boy Ronnie does."

I stilled.

Ronnie. This was because of him? I was here because of Ronnie?

"You took me to scare him because he owes you money?" A sour chuckle left me. "You really must not want your money back."

His face darkened as he leaned forward. "We'll get the money. Tonight. He begged me not to take you, but some people don't listen until you're screaming at them." He played with a piece of my hair. "I can see why Ronnie's smitten."

My eyes rolled. "You made a mistake taking me."

He rose with a chuckle. "I doubt it." He turned his back to me and went to talk with the others in the corner, leaving me laying against the heated radiator.

IRIS' POV:

Laughter filled the room as Barry and I ate our new and improved double chocolate peanut butter brownies on the floor in my room, my laptop played Chris D'Elia's special on Netflix. He was beyond hilarious, this was a good choice for tonight, we needed some laughter in our lives.

"You'll never hear a dude say, 'fucked her medium.'" Chris said. "You know what I mean, gave her that medium dick." The crowd cackled.

I smacked Barry's chest in a fit of laughter. He cracked a grin, but it didn't hide how uncomfortable he looked. I tried not to focus on it because I didn't want it to get awkward.

Then Chris said some stuff about female and male friendships and how they work. And I could feel the laughter fade from me.

"Here's the deal. If a guy's hanging out with you he wants to sleep with you." Chris said.

"Right now there's a girl out there saying, 'Well, but my one friend.' Him too."

Barry coughed and reached for a brownie the same time I did. His touch electrocuted me. He pulled his hand back as he stared at me with wide eyes. "Sorry,"

I rubbed my hand as my eyes fell to his mouth. "It's okay." I made myself look away.

Neither of us said anything for a few moments.

When Barry's phone rung we both jumped. Thea's name lit up the screen.

Ever since Barry told me the truth I had to reevaluate how I saw Thea. She wasn't some bitch that stole Barry from me and liked to rub it in, she was just a bitch. Barry hadn't tried to sway me on her, but I knew she was important to him. They had a real friendship. That in itself made me jealous. We'd never have what they had.

"Hey," He answered. "What's going on?"

I inspected my nails, trying to stow my jealously.

He leaned forward. "Thea, calm down. Tell me what happened?" His eyes serious.

Was she okay?

His jaw clenched as he nodded. "Okay, I'm on my way." He stood. When he looked down at me I could see that he knew how this looked, but I wasn't that selfish.

I stood. "Is Thea okay?"

He shook his head. "I don't know. Her and Oliver got into a fight. She's really upset." He huffed. "I'm sorry to do this, but she's my friend."

I nodded as I waved it off. "No worries."

He gave me a sympathetic look before heading for the door.

"Wait," I called. I grabbed my coat. "I'm coming with you."

His brow lifted. "Really?"

My shoulders shrugged. "Sure."

A grin appeared on his face.

LINDA'S POV:

My hand rubbed my forehead as I stared at the screen. Toby and Spencer hadn't shown up in weeks and now they had officially withdrawn their membership. Iris seemed tight with them, I could ask her what was up with those two. They'd been regulars for about a year and some change and all of a sudden they just stopped coming. I asked my parents if they had seen them, but no luck.

The computer screen before me read off the members we had lost the last few months, business was decreasing, but nothing too terrible. Or so my parents said. Maybe if we did more promotion we'd get more business. I bet if The Flash said he worked out at our gym business would fly through the roof. I could ask that of Barry, right?

I took my gaze from the computer to the few letters of colleges I applied to, I couldn't bring myself to open them yet. Mostly, because I didn't know where I wanted to go and I didn't think we could afford these schools, if I even got into any of them.

"What's got you so pouty, Park?" A familiar voice asked.

I looked up to see Wally standing in front of the service desk. How long had he been there?

The sight of him sent my heart racing, which I hated. Damn those eyes.

I wanted to say, "You," but instead I said, "What are you doing here?"

He shrugged as he leaned on the desk, his eyes roamed around the gym. "Wanted to see the gym that got my cousin in bad bitch mode."

I cracked a grin.

Being that Wally was family and well, living with Barry, there wasn't much choice in the matter of telling him that Barry was The Flash and Iris had left to become a vigilante. Joe didn't want Wally to know, but Barry pushed Joe on it. No more secrets. Honestly, it felt nice that I didn't have to lie to Wally about it.

"Courtesy of my shove forward." My hand shoved my hair back onto my head. "What are you really doing here? You want a membership? I gotta say I don't think you really need one."

His brow arched in amusement. "Really?"

My face burned. "That's not what I meant." I gave a forced laugh as he stared at me intently. "Most people that join are either angry or weak, you are neither of those things. Hence, no need to join."

He bit his bottom lip, much like his cousin, as he leaned forward. "What time do you get off?"

What?

My eyes went to my watch. "In…ten minutes. Why?"

The door opened and in walked Toby. Without thinking it through, I rushed to him.

"I've been worried sick about you." I hugged him.

He pulled me close for a few moments then let me go. "I missed you, too." He grinned. "So has Spencer."

My hands propped on my hips. "Where have you been?"

He looked around us then pulled me to the side, away from Wally. "I only came back because I'm looking for Iris."

"Iris, what does she have to do with anything?"

He huffed. "More than you know. I can't get a hold of her, did her number change?"

I nodded.

He handed me his phone to put in the new number. "Thanks."

"Sure, but what's going on with you? Where's Spencer?"

"I can't talk about it right now," He kept looking up. "You don't need to be involved in this."

My defenses went up. "But Iris can?" I angrily whispered.

He shrugged. "Iris and Spencer have some history, that's all you need to know." He pulled me in for another hug to kiss the top of my head. He was about to head out the door before I grabbed him.

"No you don't, if you're going where I think you are, then you're taking me with you." I demanded.

He shook his head. "No way."

"Toby," I slapped his arm. "She's one of my best friend's."

He let out a huff as he held the door open. "Alright, come on."

On the way to Toby's car I felt a presence behind me. I turned to see Wally following us.

"What are you doing?"

"This is me going with you, Park." He placed a hand on my shoulder. "I'm not letting you go off with some guy that I don't know," He leaned close to whisper. "Who honestly seems kind of shifty."

I leaned toward him, my eyes on his. "Toby's safe, you don't have to play big brother."

A small smirk found his lips. "You and I both know I'm not playing big brother, Park."

My eyes rolled as I stepped back. "Either way, he's a decent guy." I opened the truck door and hopped in.

Without another word, he slid in next to me as he shut the door with a look of finality.

Toby reached across me to shake Wally's hand. "Toby Cavanaugh."

"Wally West."

Toby's forehead creased. "You related to Iris West?"

Wally nodded. "Cousin."

Toby started the car. "We just need to make a pit stop first, then we can head to Starling City." He pulled out of the parking lot.

IRIS' POV:

Walking into Thea's apartment was strange. She was my age and she had a bomb ass loft to herself, totally unfair. Then again, she had her GED, owned a night club, and had the money for her own apartment. Her life was goals. Even her friendship with Barry, she managed to be friends with him without falling in love. At least, that's how Barry tells it. Maybe I should ask her for some sage advice.

I was too engrossed in taking in everything to even find her.

Barry went to the couch that faced away from the kitchen area. "Hey, Speedy." He brought her in for a bear hug.

Despite the truth being out there about their fake relationship, I still felt uncomfortable going to sit on her couch, let alone comforting her. Even so, I moved towards the two of them, choosing to sit on the floor in front of the couch, a polite smile in place.

She covered her face when she saw me and cried into Barry's chest. Barry just rubbed her back in comforting circles.

Thea to me was a strong individual, she didn't care what other people thought, she spoke her mind, did what she wanted. So seeing her all heartbroken over a fight with her big brother made me tear up a bit. I didn't think she wanted me to touch her so I kept my hands to myself and let Barry do his Barry thing.

"Speedy, you want to tell us what's going on?" He asked after a few minutes.

She wiped her long grey sleeve at her running mascara and tear soaked face. She let out a heavy breath as she rose and came back with wine glasses and a bottle of wine. "My brother's a dick."

Despite the situation, I laughed.

Barry shot me a look while Thea nodded.

"Sorry," I added.

She waved it off, her arms across her chest as she leaned against Barry.

If I hadn't known better, I would've definitely thought they were a couple. Yet, there wasn't even a spark of jealously at seeing them this way. Was I growing up?

"I took your advice and told him that you'd been helping me, he didn't take it well."

My brow knitted together. "Helping you what?"

Barry pulled away from her, a worried look on his face. "That's not what I told you to do, Speedy. Geez, he's going to kill me."

"What are you two talking about?"

Thea looked at me then gave Barry a look. "Sorry."

He shook his head. "You're lucky I love you."

Irritation rose. "What the fuck are you two talking about?"

Thea tried to cover her laugh, but failed. She poured a glass of wine and handed it to me.

Confused, I took it. Worry set in. Were they about to tell me some crazy shit I didn't want to know about the two of them?

Barry cleared his throat a few times before he finally said, "I'm helping Thea train. She wants to be a vigilante." His eyes willed me to understand, but I still felt the stinging betrayal.

Now I knew why Thea gave me the wine.

A huge part of me was mad as hell at him, because how hypocritical was that?! The smaller part of me supported Thea and could understand how this situation would be extra hard for her. Hell, Barry was my friend and he didn't want me involved, but Oliver was her big brother.

Despite all of that, I chugged the wine back and held my glass out for more. I shouldn't be mad at Barry, but I was. I got that Thea needed someone to help her get started, but how was I supposed to feel that he supported her doing this and not me? They slept together for Christ's sake! I really wished he would've told me sooner.

"How long?" I stared in mid-air, not able to look at him.

"Iris, I'm so-"

My head shook. "You made such a big deal about me doing this," I met his eyes. "And you help Thea do the one thing that drove us apart?" I tried to keep the anger and hurt out of my voice as much as possible because this wasn't exactly about me, but I had a right to feel this way after everything we'd gone through because he wouldn't support me being a vigilante.

He looked at a loss for words.

Thea scooted forward. "Iris, please don't be mad at Barry. I begged him to help me repeatedly. He didn't want to, he still doesn't want to, but we're friends." She gave a little laugh. "So he didn't really have a say in the matter."

I wasn't mad at Thea at all, I wanted that to be clear.

"The problem is that we've been friends longer." I looked to Barry. "Were you even going to tell me?"

He sighed, he sat down next to me. "Iris," His hand grabbed mine. "I didn't want to do this because I knew it would hurt you, but this was important to her."

I pulled my hand away. "And it wasn't important to me?" I kept my voice calm.

His hand went to rub his temple. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but it wasn't my secret to tell."

I mulled over his reasoning's and while I was still upset I pushed it aside. I looked to Thea. "What did Oliver say exactly?"

"Something along the lines of 'No way in Hell is my baby sister fighting crime'." She took a sip of her wine. "Then I said 'you're not dad'. He said 'dad's gone and he wouldn't approve of you doing this'. Then I said and I deeply regret it, 'You're a vigilante, not a hero. Barry's a hero. Get off your high horse'. It was bad."

Barry shook his head. "You couldn't have left me out of it?"

She shrugged. "It's not like he can catch you to beat you up."

He rolled his eyes, but she had a point.

I sat my glass on the glass coffee table behind me. "So, that's out in the open. What's your next step?"

"I don't know." She looked a little nervous. "I was kind of hoping you could help me. I would've asked you instead of Barry, but we're not exactly friends. I knew if I went to Laurel she'd tell Oliver."

"You want me to teach you? I'm still learning."

Barry shook his head. "No, you're not. You're ready for this."

Once the initial shock wore off my head nodded on its own. "No."

Thea looked confused. "You nodded, but said no."

I didn't know what to say. I was in no way ready to teach someone else how to fight. Laurel, yes. Me, no. In fact, Toby and Spencer were who got me off my feet. Maybe that was it, get her to join a MMA gym.

Thankfully, my phone rang. Looking between the two of them, I answered, "Hello?"

"Iris, hey." A deep voice said.

"Who is this?"

Barry leaned forward, a worried look in his eyes. Geez, it wasn't like it was that unusual to get to an unknown caller.

"Toby, sorry. I'm with Linda and Wally, we're on the way to Starling City. I need to see you. It's important."

I rose to my feet. "What's wrong? Is Spencer okay?" I hadn't heard from them in months and after I got a new phone I didn't reach out again. Honestly, it seemed like Spencer didn't want to have me a part of her life after our last meeting.

"I just really need to talk to you. In private." His voice hectic.

I nodded. "Okay, where?" I grabbed my coat.

"I'll text you the address. Come alone." He stressed.

"Toby," I grabbed him before he hung up. "Are you okay?"

There was a moment of silence before he answered, "Not really, no. I'll see you in a few." He hung up.

Something must be wrong with Spencer. Even though she wigged out on me, I still prayed that she was doing okay from time to time.

I turned to Thea. "I'm sorry, I have to go. Can we pick this up later?"

She nodded. "Sure."

Barry walked over to me, his eyes serious. "What's wrong? Where are you going?"

I shrugged nonchalantly. "Nothing, just to meet a friend."

His eyes narrowed. "You sounded pretty worried on the phone."

My head shook. "No, everything's fine." I stepped out into the hall, but he grabbed my arm.

"Iris, what are you not telling me?"

I shook his grip off. "Geez, dad. I'm just going to meet a friend like I said."

He gave me a look. "Be careful."

"Later." I started down the hall.

"Iris," He called.

With a huff, I turned around. "What?"

"Be careful," He repeated.

I nodded. "Always."

A half an hour later, I found myself standing under the bridge, waiting for everyone to get here. I rocked back and forth, freezing my tits off. I kept checking my phone until I decided to call Toby, but it went to voicemail. "Toby, call me back. Is everything okay?" I hung up.

I walked further ahead, being careful in this almost deserted, poor part of town, The Glades. Maybe his phone died and he was waiting on me further up the street. After a bit, I heard foot steps behind me. I quickly turned around, but no one was there. I hurried down the path only to find smoke coming from a familiar truck. My heart dropped in my chest once I saw Toby knocked out in the passenger seat, with Linda and Wally beside him. Someone had rammed into the side of them, denting the door next to Wally.

I ran for the truck, knowing I had to get them out of there.

"Guys, wake up!"

With difficulty, I tried to get the smashed door open, but couldn't budge it. I shook Wally, but he wouldn't open his eyes. As a last resort, I frantically grabbed Wally by the shoulders and pulled him through the window. He peeled open an eye as we fell to the ground, his weight too much to hold up at this height. His head was bleeding, but I didn't know what else was wrong with him.

"Toby, wake up!" I cried.

I moved to grab Linda. She startled awake and freely reached for me to help her out the window, fear in her eyes.

"Guys, there's someone watching us." Wally groaned.

Once I had Linda on her feet, I looked around us, but couldn't find anyone.

"Help!" I called. "Call the ambulance!" I begged as I ran for the other side of the truck to get Toby.

"Iris," Linda coughed. "Someone's just standing there, watching us."

I looked from the direction the truck had come and noticed someone dressed in a black hoodie and pants, I couldn't see a face, but they clearly wanted to be seen.

"Are you going to call someone?" I yelled at them.

They just stood there creepily, like this was entertainment to them. A flash from when Toby and Spencer first trained me came to mind. When we had our little fight club in the back behind the Park Gym, Spencer recoiled when she saw someone in a black hoodie. It turned out to be the announcer, but when she thought it was someone else she was scared. Then there was the time I helped her in that alley, her attacker wore a black hoodie. Plenty of people wore black hoodie's, but this wasn't a coincidence.

The person raised something in their hands and before I knew what happened, the truck exploded before me. The explosion sent me flying into the air as the flames licked my skin on the way to the ground.

A/N: For those of you who don't watch Pretty Little Liars, Toby and Spencer are both characters from the show. I'm using some story archs from that show. If you haven't seen this show and you want to know more about what Spencer and Toby are going through then here's a clip of the person in the hoodie's work. watch?v=JiJPxBS6P7g Please let me know what you think. Do yall like the sides stories/povs?