CAITLIN'S APARTMENT

November 8th, 2018

2:00 am

Walking out of her room, Caitlin headed towards the kitchen for a glass of water. Taking a sip from her glass, Caitlin turned around to see her son tossing and turning on the couch. Setting her glass of water down by the counter, Caitlin took cautious steps towards Henry.

"Henry," called out Caitlin walking towards him.

Henry's Dream P.O.V

..."Say goodbye, Henry," said Nora raising the knife in the air...

...."Noooooooo!!" screamed Henry in horror as he watched the knife penetrated his mother's back...

.....Grabbing his mother just before she could hit the ground, Henry cried out onto his mother's chest.....

......"No.........Mom!" cried Henry moving a piece of hair out of her face. "Please mom," said Henry caressing his mother's face as tears streamed down his own face. "Please wake up.....you can't.....you can't leave me...you can't...please," pleaded Henry crying. ....

....."Please mom," cried Henry holding onto her tighter, "I......I need you," choked out Henry through his tears........................................................

Jolting up, a cold sweat running down his back, Henry began to gasp for air.

"Hey, hey," said Caitlin trying to calm Henry down. "It's alright, your safe," replied Caitlin taking a seat on the table near the couch, running a soothing hand down her son's back.

Taking in a deep breath, Henry began to calm his erratic heartbeat.

"You ok?" asked Caitlin after awhile.

"Yeah, yeah," replied Henry nodding his head. "It's just a nightmare," replied Henry wiping a lone tear that fell down his face.

"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Caitlin looking at him.

"No, no," said Henry shaking his head back and forth not wanting to talk about.

"You-you should go back to bed," replied Henry slipping back into the covers. "You need your rest," said Henry beginning to close his eyes.

Standing up, Caitlin looked down at her son biting her lips. "Are you sure you're ok?" asked Caitlin worriedly.

"Yeah. I'm fine," replied Henry faking a yawn.

"Ok," replied Caitlin standing up to walking away. "Just call me if you need anything," said Caitlin grabbing her glass of water she left on the kitchen counter.

"I will," Henry reassured her closing his eyes.

Taking one last look at her son, Caitlin disappeared back into her room. Setting her glass of water down by her nightstand, Caitlin crawled back into bed falling fast asleep.

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Hearing the door to his mother's room close, Henry opened his eyes. Throwing the covers off of his body, Henry sat up straight, running a hand across his face. Taking deep breaths in Henry tried to shake away the effect of his nightmare. It felt so real. Like he was actually there, reliving it.

Leaning back against the couch Henry closed his eyes. Ever since his mother had fallen into a coma, Henry had been having nightmares about it. Waking up in the middle of the night screaming, his father, uncles, and the speed force were the ones who helped keep him in check. With their help, the nightmares had eventually stopped after 3 long and exaggerating months. And he had been nightmare free for about 4 months now. But ever since he had gotten back here, his nightmares have been occurring more frequently, getting worse by the minute.

Standing up Henry flashed on his suit. Knowing that he wasn't going to get any sleep anytime soon, Henry fastened on his mask starting his day.

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7:30 am

Caitlin walked into the living room not seeing any signs of her son anywhere. Frowning, Caitlin made her way to the kitchen to see a cup of coffee and a plate covered with a note attached to it on the countertop.

Made you breakfast. See you at the lab. Love you- Henry

Smiling to herself, Caitlin uncovered the plate to see some scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast with jam. Picking up her fork, Caitlin began to eat the delicious meal her son had made her.

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STAR LABS

9:00 am

Caitlin walked into the Cortex of Star Labs to see Cisco by his desk.

"Hey, Caitlin. Where's Henry?" asked Cisco not seeing his godson behind her.

"He left early for his mission," informed Caitlin before a gust of wind interrupted her.

"Hey Cait," smiled Barry looking at her. "Where's Henry?" asked Barry frowning a bit.

"On his mission," replied Caitlin looking down. She was worried about her son especially because of what happened this morning.

Suddenly the alarm started going off signaling a meta attack.

"Peek-a-boo is at it again on Allen Road," Cisco called out (Another road we have in Toronto💁).

"On it," said Barry flashing on his suit before rushing to the scene.

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CCPN

9:45 am

Iris walked into CCPN to see people pointing and talking about her as she walked past them. Looking at them questionably, Iris made her way to her desk. Setting her things down, Iris took a seat at her desk picking up the newspaper that laid on her desk.

Gasping in shock, Iris stared at the newspaper to see her article that had made the cover. Her article had never made the cover before, it was always one of the articles inside. The CCPN always put the best article for the cover.

"Iris West-Allen" called out her boss Susan Wong (new boss).

"Yes," replied Iris standing up from her desk.

"Please come to my office. NOW," demanded her boss.

"Y-yes Ma'am," replied Iris timidly walking to her office.

"Please, have a seat," replied Susan gesturing for Iris to sit down. Taking a seat, Iris looked at her getting a bit nervous.

"Did you write this article Ms.West-Allen," asked her boss throwing the article onto her desk so Iris could see it. Looking down at the article Iris noticed that it was the same article that made today's cover.

"Yes. Yes Ma'am," replied Iris looking down. There goes my job, thought Iris as she stared at her boss's emotionless face.

Staring at Iris for what seemed like forever, her boss finally cracked a smile laughing at her reaction. "This is the best, most well-written article I have ever seen in my life!" exclaimed her boss.

"I loved the way you incorporated your thoughts into the article, giving the viewers your perspective. I got to say that is very new. And the fact that you ended the article off with a question. WOW!" said Iris boss praising her. "Just makes me want to know more," ended Susan staring at Iris.

"Please tell me, Ms.West-Allen, where did you get this idea from?" asked her boss looking at Iris in the eye.

"It just...came to me," replied Iris smiling as she thought about Henry. Making a mental note, Iris was sure to thank Henry the next time she saw him.

"Well I'm glad it did," replied Ms.Wong smiling. "Not a lot of people do things as risky as this and get away with it," said Susan looking at Iris making her remember that she sent the article to the publisher instead of her boss to review it.

"I'm really sorry about that Ms. Wong," replied Iris apologizing. "It's just I was running out of time and ther-" she began as Ms.Wong held out a hand stopping her.

"Relax Iris. There is nothing to apologize for. You did a great job on the article. That's all that matters," said Susan surprising Iris that she called her by her first name.

"And please call me Susan, Ms.Wong makes me sound like my mother," replied Susan making a distasteful face causing Iris to laugh.

SUSAN WONG (Zack & Cody vibes anyone)

"I look forward to seeing more amazing articles like this," replied Susan stretching out her hand for Iris to shake which she gratefully took.

"Now," replied Susan standing up along with Iris. "Get out of my office and get back to work," replied Susan with a smirk making Iris laugh.

"Yes Ms.Wong," replied Iris smiling.

"Ahem," coughed Susan looking at her.

"Right Susan," said Iris correcting herself.

"Better," said Susan smiling at her as she left her office.

Walking out of her boss's office, Iris was met with a round of applause from her fellow colleagues and friends. "Thank you, thank you," replied Iris thanking them with a smile on her face as she made it back to her seat starting on her work.

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Big Belly Burgers

3:00 pm

Henry walked in through the doors of Big Belly Burgers. Breathing in the aroma of burgers and fries, Henry smiled to himself. Walking up to the cashier Henry stood in line ready to order.

"Hi, could I get 12 triple-triples, 9 double cheeseburgers, 30 large fries, 25 onion rings, 40 strawberry sundaes, and 50 cans of sprite," replied Henry as the young teen who stood behind the counter looking at him with his jaw dropped.

"I had a small breakfast," shrugged Henry as the teen punched in his order.

Giving Henry his number Henry waited for his order. Fifteen minutes passed before Henry was called to collect his order. Thanking the person, Henry made his way through the cluster of people trying to find a seat.

Bumping into someone, Henry caught his food before it could hit the ground at super speed. "I'm so sorry," replied a familiar voice. Looking up Henry was met with the hazel eyes of his Aunt Iris.

"Aunt Iris," replied Henry looking at her.

"Henry," replied Iris with a big smile on her face. "What are you doing here?" asked Iris looking at him.

"Um,.....eating," replied Henry setting his food down on a table, as he took a seat beginning to eat.

"Right," replied Iris scowling herself. "Stupid question. Anyways, how are you?" asked Iris looking at him.

"I'm good," replied Henry scarfing down 9 triple-triples and all of his onion rings. "You want some?" asked Henry offering some of his fries he was eating.

"No thanks," replied Iris declining politely. "I already ate and you need your energy," said Iris with a smile on her face.

Taking her hand in his, Iris looked at Henry in the eyes, making him stop what he was doing looking up at her. "I wanted to thank you for your advice," replied Iris smiling at him. "You were right. After I took your advice and put it in my article, I woke up to find my article on the front page," said Iris showing Henry the cover of the newspaper.

"Wow," replied Henry taking the paper and reading it.

"And that's all thanks to you," replied Iris smiling at him. "So thank you," replied Iris looking into Henry's blue-green eyes. She realized that Henry was not a bad kid after all. She wanted to get to know him more.

"You don't mean that," replied Henry shaking his head looking down.

"Of course I do," replied Iris grabbing onto his hands. "I couldn't have done this without you," said Iris honestly.

"What I meant to say," replied Henry looking up. "Is that you've always had the potential to do that in you, Aunt Iris. To show the world what an amazing reporter you are," said Henry looking at her.

"All I did was help lead you in the right direction. But that," said Henry pointing at the article on the cover, "that was all you," said Henry looking at Iris making her cry.

"You're an amazing reporter Aunt Iris," said Henry looking deep into her eyes.

"Awwh Henry," replied Iris standing up and hugging her future nephew. Hugging her back Henry smiled into the hug missing his aunty.

"Thank you. That was the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me," said Iris pulling away from the hug to wipe her tears with her hand. Seeing her wiping her tears away with her hand, Henry reached down into his pocket to pull out a grey handkerchief (Lol who still carries handkerchiefs around😂).

"Here you go," replied Henry passing the handkerchief to her.

"You carry around a handkerchief?" laughed Iris gratefully accepting the handkerchief to wipe her eyes.

"Yeah. It's something I got from dad," said Henry rubbing the back of his neck shyly making Iris laugh.

"That's cute," replied Iris handing him back his handkerchief. "You're a lot like your father," said Iris making Henry smile at the comment.

"Soooooo," drew out Iris looking at Henry, making him raise an eyebrow at her. "I was wondering if you were available this week? I thought that maybe you and I could go to this new arcade game that just opened up," replied Iris smiling at him.

"Really?" replied Henry as Iris nodded her head. "I would love to go with you Aunt Iris," beamed Henry smiling at her.

"Great," said Iris smiling at him.

Suddenly, Iris phone started going off notifying her of a new case. "Shoot," exclaimed Iris standing up. "I got to go but I'll talk to you later about our trip. Ok?" said Iris grabbing her stuff.

"Ok," replied Henry standing up. Giving her a hug, Henry wished Iris good luck before she rushed out the door. Sitting back down Henry began to finish the rest of his meal before starting back on his mission.

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STAR LABS

10:00pm

Caitlin sat by her desk glancing at the time. She noticed that it was 10 pm and had not seen her son since this morning.

Where could he be? thought Caitlin looking at the time again.

Is he alright? Did he eat? Is he hurt? though Caitlin swirling with different possible outcome before she was interrupted by footsteps walking into the Cortex.

"Hey Caitlin," replied Cisco plopping down on his desk. They had just finished talking down a meta and was working on taking down another. "Still no Henry?" replied Cisco looking at the frown on his friends face.

"No," sighed Caitlin looking at the TV screen showing a map of Central City. "He still has not come back yet," said Caitlin sadly.

"I'm worried about him Cisco," confessed Caitlin turning around in her chair to look at her friend. "What if he's hurt?" replied Caitlin looking at him worriedly.

"I'm sure he's fine Caitlin," replied Cisco assuring her. "Besides if he was hurt he would know where to find us," said Cisco looking at his friend making her smile slightly.

Suddenly a gust of wind sounded in the Cortex making Cisco and Caitlin turn around to see.....Barry.

"Hey guys," said Barry smiling at them. "Henry's still not back yet," replied Barry looking around for his son.

"Nope," replied Caitlin looking down.

"Well I'm sure he'll show up sooner or later," said Bary hopefully.

"In the meantime," said Barry walking towards Caitlin. "I told the Captain that I'll be taking the day off tomorrow. So what do you say that you, me, and Henry go shopping tomorrow for some clothes for him," Barry asked looking at her.

"I think that's a great idea," smiled Caitlin looking at him. "It'll give him a good time to bond with both of his parents," replied Caitlin making Barry smile at her.

"Great," smiled Barry. "I can't wait for tomorrow," said Barry leaping in excitement as Caitlin laugh.

"Well, I'm going to go. I need to get my rest for the big day," replied Barry walking out of the Cortex.

"Do any of you guys need a lift?" asked Barry turning around. Looking at each other, Cisco and Caitlin shook their heads no. "Ok. I'll see you tomorrow, Cait," said Barry before flashing out of the Cortex.

Yawning Cisco began to stretch in his seat. "Alright. I'm calling it a night," replied Cisco standing up. "Do you want a ride home?" asked Cisco looking at Caitlin.

"No, no," replied Caitlin shaking her head and standing up. "I'm gonna stay here and wait for Henry a little longer," said Caitlin as Cisco looked at her sympathetically.

"He's gonna be alright Caitlin," replied Cisco placing a hand on her shoulder. "Besides he's yours and Barry's son. I'm pretty sure he can handle himself," said Cisco making Caitlin smile a bit.

"I know," replied Caitlin nodding her head. "But it doesn't stop me from worrying about him. He's my son, after all, Cisco," said Caitlin looking up at her friend in the eye.

"Have a goodnight Cisco. I'll see you tomorrow," replied Caitlin walking over to stand by the TV screen displaying a map of Central City.

Nodding his head, Cisco began to make his way out of the Cortex. Stopping by the doorway, Cisco sighed looking down at the ground knowing one of his best friends was going to be up for a while waiting for her son.

"Goodnight," replied Cisco leaving.

Staring at the screen that displayed a view of the city, Caitlin stood there wondering where Henry could be.

"Where are you?" whispered Caitlin worriedly.

PARALLEL

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12:00pm

Sitting down on a chair in the Cortex, Caitlin rubbed her eyes looking at the time. She had been here for 2 hours and had not seen one sign of Henry yet. Seeing that it was midnight already Caitlin stood up grabbing her things.

Maybe he's at home, thought Caitlin grabbing her car keys.

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CAITLIN'S APARTMENT

12:15 pm

Arriving at her apartment 15 minutes later, Caitlin set her things down sprinting to the living room with a smile on her face. Reaching the living room, Caitlin switched on the light to see the couch empty, the same way it had been this morning.

Walking over towards the couch, Caitlin collapsed on it hugging the blankets and pillows. It smelled so much like him making her miss him even more. Where could he be? thought Caitlin crying herself to sleep.

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2:00 am

A flash of yellow and light-blue lighting lit up Caitlin's apartment. Coming to a stop by the kitchen, Henry noticed the living room lights on. Setting himself on high alert Henry took cautious steps towards the living room.

Stopping by the entrance to the living room, Henry sighed in relief seeing his mother on the couch. Setting his things down, Henry walked closer towards his mother. As he stood over her, Henry noticed the teardrop stains on her face stopping him in his tracks.

Sucking in a deep breath Henry's heart broke at the sight of it. He didn't mean to make her worried. He was just so focused on completing his mission that he forgot his promise to her of meeting her at the lab.

Walking towards her, Henry gently picked his mother up in his arms before walking with her to her bedroom. Carefully placing Caitlin down onto the bed, Henry covered his mom with a blanket making sure she was comfortable.

Watching over her, Henry looked down to see his mother peacefully asleep. Smiling to himself, Henry brushed some of the beautiful brown strands out of her face. Looking down at her Henry leaned down to plant a gentle kiss on his mother's forehead.

"I love you, Mom," whispered Henry before flashing out of her room.

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HAPPY VALENTINE's DAY EVERYONE! 💝 HOPE U GUYS LIKED THIS CHAPTER.

AWWH CAITLIN WORRIES ABOUT HENRY AND HENRY SAID 'I LOVE U' TO CAITLIN. BUT DOES CAITLIN LOVE HIM BACK? LET ME KNOW WHAT U GUYS THINK ABOUT THIS CHAPTER IN THE COMMENT'S BELOW.

NEXT CHAPTER WILL BE A FAMILY OUTING. WE WILL FINALLY SEE HOW BARRY INTERACTS WITH HIS SON. DON'T FORGET TO LIKE. I WILL UPDATE ASAP.