When Barry awoke, the world seemed both familiar and disorienting. The soft beeping of machines surrounded him, and the sterile scent of a hospital filled his nostrils. He blinked several times, trying to clear the fog from his mind.

He heard a voice call out, "He's waking up!" A moment later, his father, Harrison Wells, appeared at his bedside, a mix of relief and anxiety etched on his face.

"Dad?" Barry croaked, his voice weak from disuse. "What happened?"

Wells clasped Barry's hand, his expression softening. "Barry, you've been in a coma for nine months."

"Nine months?" Barry repeated, his eyes widening in shock. "What about the particle accelerator? The lightning storm?"

"It all went wrong," Wells said, his voice heavy with regret. "The accelerator malfunctioned, causing a massive explosion. The resulting lightning storm struck you, and you were critically injured."

Barry tried to sit up, but his muscles protested. "Nine months... How did I survive?"

Wells hesitated, then said, "The lightning did something to you, Barry. Your body healed at an accelerated rate. It's... extraordinary."

Before Barry could process this information, Cisco and Jesse rushed into the room, their faces lighting up with joy.

"Barry!" Cisco exclaimed, practically leaping to his side. "You're awake! We were so worried."

Jesse hugged him gently. "We missed you so much, Barry. It's been so hard without you."

Barry smiled weakly, feeling a rush of warmth at their concern. "I missed you too. I can't believe I've been out for nine months."

Cisco nodded, his expression turning serious. "A lot has changed while you were out, Barry. Central City has seen a surge in meta-humans—people with powers. It's all connected to the particle accelerator explosion."

Barry's mind raced. "Meta-humans? Powers? What kind of powers?"

"All kinds," Jesse explained. "Super strength, telekinesis, flight... and you, Barry. You're not the same either."

Just then, Caitlin Snow entered the room, her presence calming yet concerned. "Barry," she said softly, stepping closer. "It's good to see you awake."

Barry smiled weakly at her. "Caitlin... What happened to me?"

Caitlin took a deep breath, her gaze steady. "The lightning strike, combined with the chemicals in the lab, altered your DNA. You've developed superhuman speed and reflexes."

Barry absorbed this information, feeling a mix of awe and apprehension. "So, what now?"

"We need to run more tests to understand the full extent of your abilities," Caitlin replied. "But one thing's certain—you have a chance to make a difference, Barry."

Barry looked at his father, sister, brother, and Caitlin, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Together," he echoed. "We'll figure this out together."

As Barry adjusted to his new reality and the challenges that lay ahead, he knew that he had a team of dedicated friends and family to support him. With Caitlin's expertise and their collective determination, they were ready to face whatever came next in this new chapter of their lives.

Later

Once Barry and Wells arrived at the particle accelerator, Barry finally noticed his father in a wheelchair and couldn't hide his concern. "Dad, why are you in a wheelchair?"

Wells sighed heavily, his gaze distant yet pained. "I'm not the same, Barry. STAR Labs hasn't been operational since FEMA classified us as a class four hazardous location. Seventeen people lost their lives that night, and many more were injured. Myself included, along with you, son."

Barry's eyes widened as he took in the severity of the situation. "Jeez. What happened?"

Wells recounted the events with a heavy heart. "Nine months ago, the particle accelerator went online exactly as planned, fulfilling my life's dream. For 45 minutes, everything was perfect. And then... there was an anomaly. The electron volts became unmeasurable, and the containment ring failed. The energy released triggered a massive storm cloud—"

Barry finished his sentence, realization dawning on him. "That created a lightning bolt that struck me in the Cortex."

Wells nodded gravely. "Exactly, son. For nine months, I was recovering, and during that time, I worried about you day and night. The hospital experienced inexplicable power outages every time you were thought to be in cardiac arrest, but it turns out, your heartbeat was racing too fast for the EKG to register."

Barry absorbed this revelation, his expression a mix of astonishment and gratitude toward his father's unwavering concern during his ordeal.

Back in the Cortex

Wells's voice carried a mix of regret and determination as he spoke, "Now, I'm not the most popular person in town these days, but that doesn't matter to me. Not after witnessing your heartfelt performance, Barry, where you expressed feeling unworthy of my love."

Barry and Wells entered the Cortex to find Jesse, Cisco, and Caitlin there, each wearing expressions of concern and relief.

Barry stood resolute, his gaze firm. "I need to go."

Caitlin's concern was palpable. "No, Barry. You can't just leave."

Wells interjected, his voice gentle yet firm. "Caitlin's right, Barry. Now that you're awake, we need to conduct more tests. Your body is still undergoing changes. There's so much we still don't understand."

Barry hesitated, a conflicted expression crossing his face. "I feel fine, really. But I have to see someone. Thank you, Dad, for saving my life."

With a determined stride, Barry turned to leave.

"Barry, wait," Caitlin called after him, her voice tinged with worry.

Wells sighed deeply, his eyes following Barry's retreating figure. Just as Barry reached the door, he turned back.

"Can I keep the sweatshirt, Dad?" Barry asked quietly.

Wells looked at him, a flicker of warmth in his eyes. "Of course, Barry. Keep it."

"Okay," Barry nodded gratefully, a small smile tugging at his lips as he left the room.

Later

At Jitters

Barry had heard that Olivia was in town and felt an urgency to see her.

He walked into Jitters and spotted her behind the counter, a smile lighting up her face as she poured coffee.

"Looks like she's a waitress. Who would have thought," Barry mused to himself.

As he approached, Olivia glanced up and gasped in surprise. "Oh, my God!"

She hurried around the counter and into Barry's arms, her worry palpable as she held him tightly.

"I'm fine, Liv," Barry reassured her, returning her embrace with a gentle smile.

Olivia couldn't hide the concern in her eyes as she scanned him for any signs of injury.

"I'm really okay. It's nothing compared to your five years on an island," Barry joked lightly.

"I know," Olivia sighed, her expression softening. "After your accident, I moved here. Central City has been home for a long time, especially after I left behind the Arrow identity."

Barry's curiosity peaked. "What happened?"

"League of Assassins," Olivia replied cryptically. "But never mind that. I'm just so glad you're okay." She hugged him tightly, a mix of relief and lingering worry evident in her embrace.

As Barry chatted with Olivia, he noticed a sudden commotion behind her. Everything around him seemed to slow down.

He heard a clatter and turned to see someone deftly catching a falling donut in a bag, skills that seemed almost superhuman.

Meanwhile, Olivia turned around to find that a tray had been dropped. Concerned, she called out, "Are you okay, Tracy?"

Tracy nodded, gathering the scattered items. "Yeah, I got it."

Olivia turned back to Barry with a gentle smile. "I would love to spend more time together, but I need to get back to work."

Barry nodded understandingly. "No worries. I'll talk to you later."

Olivia leaned in and kissed Barry on the cheek before returning to her duties, helping Tracy clean up the broken mugs.

Barry watched her for a moment, a smile spreading across his face as he admired her determination and grace under pressure.

He waved goodbye to Olivia, who glanced back and returned his smile warmly before focusing on her work once more.

At CCPD

Barry walked into the room to find a group of officers waiting for him, their faces a mix of relief and concern. Each one greeted him with a hug, a tangible display of their shared relief.

Joe approached Barry with a tight embrace. "Hey, Barry, you scared the hell out of us, kid," he said with a mixture of fatherly concern and affection.

Another officer chimed in, injecting a bit of humor, "Yeah, that was quite the nap you took there, baby face, and you still look 12."

Barry chuckled lightly at the remark, appreciating the familiar banter amidst the seriousness.

Joe's expression softened as he asked, "You look okay. Are you really?"

Barry nodded reassuringly. "I'm good, Joe. It's good to see you. How's Iris?"

"Oh, she's fine," Joe replied warmly. "She's in Coast City. I'll let her know you woke up, kid."

Barry nodded again, grateful for the update. The warmth of Joe's presence and the camaraderie of his fellow officers eased some of the lingering tension, reminding Barry that he was surrounded by people who cared deeply about him.

Then a detective approached Barry and greeted him warmly, "Hey, Allen. Glad to see you."

Barry smiled gratefully, nodding at the detective. "Thanks, Eddie."

Eddie acknowledged Barry with a nod. "Okay, I'll catch you later." He then walked off, catching up to Joe who had just left to retrieve his gear after a brief exchange with Barry.

a cop greeted him warmly, "Hey, Barry. Good to see you," as he processed a criminal nearby.

Suddenly, the situation escalated when the criminal attempted to grab the officer's gun. Reacting with lightning-fast reflexes, Barry swiftly intervened, disarming the criminal and subduing him with expert precision. With the situation under control, Barry returned to his original position, maintaining his composure.

"Screw you!" the frustrated criminal shouted as Barry calmly made his way out of the station.

Outside

Barry glanced around nervously, his eyes widening as he noticed his hand trembling uncontrollably. "What the--" he muttered, struggling to halt the rapid vibration.

"What's happening to me?" Barry questioned aloud, his mind racing with fragmented memories of what Caitlin had warned him about.

With a surge of determination, Barry dashed forward, his footsteps skidding to a halt just in time to avoid colliding with a dumpster.

Turning back, Barry accelerated in reverse but misjudged his speed, crashing into the back of a parked police car, shattering the glass with a loud impact.

"Oh, oh!" Barry exclaimed in surprise and concern as he surveyed the damage.

Gasping for breath, Barry stumbled back from the car, his heart racing with adrenaline.

Checking the alley for witnesses, Barry swiftly darted away at superhuman speed, the rush of wind against his face heightening his sense of urgency and exhilaration.

As Barry streaked past, he spotted a van with its rear doors ajar. Unable to stop in time, he collided with the back of the van, causing clothes to spill out onto the ground.

A man nearby swiftly lifted a fallen bag off Barry. "Awesome," Barry managed to say between breaths, grateful for the unexpected assistance amidst his chaotic introduction to his newfound abilities.

At Ferris Air

Barry finished dressing after recounting what had happened.

Cisco chimed in eagerly, "Hey, bro, how does it fit?"

Barry emerged from the mobile command center, adjusting his gear. "It's a little snug, Cisco."

Cisco grinned, offering reassurance. "Well, at least you'll be moving so fast no one will see you."

He playfully pushed Barry forward to demonstrate, ensuring he kept his balance. "See, you thought the world was slowing down. It wasn't. You were moving so fast that it only looked like everyone else was standing still. Dad will be monitoring your energy output, and Caitlin, your vitals."

Barry nodded, absorbing the information. "Are you still gonna make the toys?"

Cisco's smile widened. "Hell yeah, I'm gonna make the toys, man. Check it out. This is a two-way headset with a modified camera, originally designed to combat battlefield impulse noise or, in your case, potential sonic booms, which would be awesome."

He handed Barry his helmet and walked away, leaving Barry to prepare for the next steps.

Caitlin approached, setting up equipment to monitor Barry's vitals on her tablet.

Barry noticed her subdued demeanor. "Hey, are you okay? You don't seem like yourself, Cait."

Caitlin sighed softly, her expression troubled. "No, I'm not okay. My once promising career in bioengineering is over, my boss is in a wheelchair for life, and the explosion that put you in a coma also killed Ronnie."

Barry's face fell in sympathy. "Cait, I'm so sorry to hear that. No one told me about Ronnie."

"It's okay," Caitlin replied quietly. "Let's just focus on making sure you're okay."

Barry nodded understandingly as Caitlin returned to Wells' side.

Wells, speaking with fatherly concern, addressed Barry. "Son, while I am extremely eager to determine your full range of abilities, I do caution restraint."

Barry nodded again, acknowledging Wells' advice. "Yeah."

With his equipment secured, Barry positioned himself at the airfield, preparing for his test run.

Glancing back, he saw everyone ready and waiting for him.

Barry took a deep breath, his eyes flickering with anticipation and lightning. With a shout of exhilaration, he shot down the airfield at super speed.

"Woo-hoo!" Barry cheered as he raced ahead, the wind rushing past him.

However, amid the rush, memories flooded back—memories of the tragic night his mother was killed.

Lost in his thoughts, Barry momentarily lost focus on the path ahead. Startled, he snapped out of his reverie just in time to realize he was about to crash. "Aah!" he screamed, colliding forcefully with buckets of water.

Barry grunted in pain as he sat up, clutching his injured arm, realizing it had taken a hit.

Back at STAR Labs

After Caitlin ran tests, she pulled up an image of Barry's hand on the screen.

"It looks like you had a distal radius fracture," Caitlin explained.

Barry raised an eyebrow. "Had?"

Caitlin switched the image to show a healed hand and clarified, "It's healed... in mere hours."

"How is that even possible?" Barry asked, incredulous.

"We don't know... yet," Caitlin admitted, her tone reflecting both curiosity and concern.

Cisco interjected with a grin, "Big brother, I love you, but you really need to learn when to stop."

Barry chuckled at Cisco's playful jab, appreciating the lighter moment.

Turning serious, Wells inquired, "What happened out there today? You were moving pretty well, and then something caused you to lose focus."

Barry sighed, contemplating how to explain. "I started remembering something."

Curious, Wells leaned in slightly, prompting Barry to continue.

"When I was 11, my mother was murdered," Barry began, his voice tinged with sorrow. "I don't think I ever told anyone that, unless you asked Joe, Dad."

Wells nodded understandingly. "I never asked for details. I had a feeling you would tell me when you were ready."

"It was late," Barry recalled, his gaze distant. "A sound woke me up. I came downstairs and... I saw what looked like a ball of lightning. Inside the lightning, there was a man. He killed my mom. They arrested my dad. He's still in Iron Heights for her murder. Everyone—the cops, the shrinks—they all told me what I saw was impossible. But what if the man who killed my mom was like me?"

Wells listened intently, processing Barry's revelation.

"Well, son," Wells said gently, a small smile forming, "I think I can say unequivocally you are one of a kind, kiddo."

Barry nodded solemnly, grateful for his father figure's understanding and support in this challenging moment of reflection.

Later

At Jitters

Barry spotted Olivia chatting with a guy as he approached. Olivia noticed him and excused herself from the conversation, making her way over to Barry with a warm smile.

"Hey," she greeted him.

Barry returned the greeting, his tone tinged with a hint of jealousy. "Hey. Who's that?"

Olivia glanced back at the guy briefly before focusing on Barry again. "Oh, that's just a friend from work," she said casually. "We were discussing some projects."

Barry nodded, trying to hide his unease. "Right, cool," he replied, though his thoughts were clearly elsewhere.

"Is everything okay?" Olivia asked, noticing his demeanor shift.

Barry hesitated for a moment before answering, "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Just... you know, glad to see you."

Olivia smiled reassuringly. "I'm glad to see you too," she said softly, reaching out to gently touch his arm. "Listen, why don't we grab a coffee? We can catch up properly."

Barry nodded, grateful for the offer to spend more time together. "Yeah, that sounds great," he agreed, the tension in his expression easing.

After grabbing their coffee from Jitters, Barry and Olivia decided to take a leisurely walk through a nearby park. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the trees and pathways as they strolled side by side.

Barry took a sip of his coffee, gathering his thoughts before speaking. "So, how have things been for you since... well, since we last saw each other?"

Olivia sighed softly, her gaze thoughtful. "It's been a whirlwind, honestly. After everything with the League of Assassins settled down, I needed a change. Central City felt like a good fit. Working at Jitters has been nice—a bit more relaxed compared to my previous adventures."

Barry nodded sympathetically, recalling the challenges Olivia had faced. "I'm glad you found a place here," he said sincerely. "And working at Jitters must be a change of pace."

"Yeah, it is," Olivia agreed, a small smile playing on her lips. "Helping people start their day with a good cup of coffee... it's surprisingly fulfilling."

They walked in comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying each other's company and the peaceful surroundings of the park.

Barry glanced at Olivia, feeling a mix of emotions he hadn't fully sorted out. "Liv," he began hesitantly, "I... I'm sorry for disappearing. After what happened, I didn't know how to... I mean, I should have reached out sooner."

Olivia stopped walking and turned to face him, her expression softening. "Barry," she said gently, "I understand. You had your own battles to fight. And... I missed you, too."

Barry felt a weight lift off his shoulders at her understanding. "I missed you too, Liv," he admitted quietly, his gaze meeting hers.

They stood there for a moment, the world around them fading into the background as they shared a quiet, heartfelt moment.

"Barry," Olivia said softly, breaking the silence, "what happened to you... with the lightning and everything... are you okay now?"

Barry nodded, offering her a reassuring smile. "Yeah, I'm okay. It's... a lot to process, but I have good people looking out for me. Wells, Caitlin, Cisco..."

Olivia nodded, her eyes filled with concern and care. "I'm glad you have them," she said sincerely. "And I'm here for you too, Barry. Always."

Barry smiled gratefully, touched by her words. "Thank you, Liv," he said sincerely. "It means a lot."

They resumed their walk, the conversation flowing more easily now as they caught up on each other's lives, sharing stories and laughter under the setting sun.

Later

As they walked near the road, Olivia turned to Barry with a soft smile. "Barr, I really did miss you."

Barry glanced at her, his expression warm with gratitude. "I missed you too, Liv," he replied sincerely.

She took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting sincerity. "Barry, there's something I've been wanting to say," Olivia began hesitantly. "I've realized that... I care about you more than just as a friend."

Barry's heart skipped a beat, emotions swirling within him as he absorbed her words. He reached for her hand, feeling a rush of connection between them. "Liv," he murmured, "I've felt the same way, but I wasn't sure how to..."

She nodded, a shy smile playing on her lips. "It's okay," Olivia assured him. "With everything that's happened, it's been hard to figure out where we stand."

Barry squeezed her hand gently, his eyes searching hers with tenderness. "I've always valued our friendship," he admitted, "and I don't want to lose that."

Olivia's expression softened, understanding filling her eyes. "Neither do I, Barry," she whispered. "But maybe... we could explore this... whatever it is, together?"

Barry nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. "I'd like that," he said, a smile breaking through. "Let's take it one step at a time."

Hand in hand, they continued their walk, the weight of uncertainty lifted, replaced by a hopeful anticipation of what the future might hold for them.

As they walked, Olivia's steps slowed, and she gently tugged Barry to a stop. Looking up at him with a mix of nervousness and determination, she reached up and cupped his face in her hands. Barry's heart raced as he realized what she was about to do.

Without another word, Olivia leaned in and pressed her lips softly against his. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as Barry's mind raced with a mix of surprise and joy. He closed his eyes, savoring the warmth of her touch, the sweetness of the moment.

When they finally pulled back, Barry could see the uncertainty in Olivia's eyes, mixed with a newfound confidence. He smiled warmly at her, feeling a sense of happiness and rightness in the kiss they had shared.

Olivia smiled back shyly, her cheeks flushed with emotion. "I've wanted to do that for a long time," she admitted quietly.

Barry chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I'm glad you did," he replied honestly. "I've been wanting to do that too."

They stood there, hand in hand, the weight of unspoken words now expressed in a simple yet profound gesture. The future felt uncertain, but at that moment, they knew they were ready to face it together.

As Olivia and Barry leaned in for another kiss, the moment was shattered by the sudden blare of police sirens behind them. They turned, startled, just in time to see a patrol car careening out of control toward them, its tires screeching on the pavement.

Instinctively, Barry pulled Olivia close and, with a burst of superhuman speed, whisked them both out of harm's way. They stumbled backward, heartbeats racing from the adrenaline of the near miss.

"Are you okay?" Barry asked urgently, checking Olivia for any signs of injury.

Olivia nodded, wide-eyed and shaken. "I think so. That was too close."

Barry nodded, his own heart pounding as he scanned the scene. He saw the police car that had lost control continue down the street, accelerating rather than slowing down.

Without a moment's hesitation, he quickly took off in a blur of motion after the speeding vehicle.

Olivia's voice trembled with worry as she called out, "Barry, are you okay?" She turned quickly to where Barry had been standing, only to find him gone in an instant. Her heart raced with concern as she scanned the surroundings, searching for any sign of him. The sudden disappearance of Barry, especially after the near accident with the police car, left her feeling both anxious and bewildered.

With Barry

Barry raced after the erratic car, dodging pedestrians and vehicles effortlessly as he closed the distance. His mind raced with possibilities—was this a runaway vehicle, a criminal on the run, or something else entirely?

Ahead, the car swerved through traffic, narrowly avoiding collisions as it sped toward an uncertain destination. Barry focused, pushing his speed to its limits, determined to intercept the vehicle before it caused harm to anyone else.

With a final burst of speed, Barry closed in on the car, preparing to take action. 

Barry crashed through the car window in a blur of motion, confronting Clyde Mardon who was reaching for a gun. Acting with lightning reflexes, Barry yanked the steering wheel, causing the car to flip over violently, rolling once before skidding to a halt on the street.

As the dust settled, Mardon emerged from the wreck and started to walk away. Barry, bruised but determined, crawled out and shouted after him, "Hey, Mardon!"

Mardon turned back, hands raised, as a thick fog suddenly enveloped the street, obscuring his escape. Barry scanned the mist, trying to locate him, but his attention was drawn by an explosion nearby.

Turning swiftly, Barry saw a car launched into the air, crashing down onto another vehicle. Reacting instantly, he darted out of harm's way with superhuman speed as the flaming wreckage careened down the street, eventually coming to rest on its roof.

Breathing heavily, Barry stood in shock, the weight of witnessing a death sinking in. The realization of the consequences of his newfound abilities hit him hard, a mix of disbelief and sorrow clouding his mind.

Later

Barry sat on the sidewalk after his interrogation, feeling a mix of exhaustion and relief. Suddenly, a familiar voice called out his name.

"Barry!"

He turned to see Olivia hurrying towards him. Relief washed over him as he stood up and quickly approached her, pulling her into a tight hug.

"Oh, thank God," Barry murmured, his voice filled with genuine concern.

"I was so worried when I couldn't find you," Olivia admitted softly, returning his embrace with equal intensity.

Olivia pulled away from the hug, her emotions flickering between relief and frustration. She started lightly smacking Barry's shoulder.

"You asshat, I hate you, I hate you, I hate you. Don't you scare me like that again," she chided, her voice tinged with both worry and affection. Then, without missing a beat, she pulled him back into another tight hug, her arms squeezing around him reassuringly.

Barry chuckled softly, feeling a rush of warmth at Olivia's reaction. He hugged her back just as tightly, grateful to have her close after such a harrowing experience.

"I'm sorry, Liv," Barry said sincerely, his voice muffled against her shoulder. "I didn't mean to worry you. I'm okay, though. Thanks for being here."

Olivia sighed, her grip on him loosening slightly. "Just promise me you won't do something like that again, Barry. Please."

Barry nodded against her shoulder, understanding the weight of her words. "I promise," he murmured, feeling the gravity of the moment sink in.

They stood there for a few moments longer, wrapped in each other's embrace, finding solace in the simple act of being together.

Barry gently wiped away Olivia's tears with his thumbs, his touch tender and reassuring. He held her face in his hands, making sure she met his gaze, her eyes reflecting worry and relief all at once.

"I'm okay, Ms. Queen," Barry whispered, his voice soft but earnest. "I promise, I won't run off like that again. Please don't cry anymore."

Olivia sniffled, nodding slightly. "It's just... it was really scary. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you."

"I understand," Barry said, pulling her into another embrace. He rested his cheek against the top of her head, holding her close. "I'm so sorry for making you worry."

They stayed like that for a while, finding comfort in each other's arms, silently grateful for their shared moment of safety amid the chaos of Central City.

Later

At STAR Labs

Barry entered the room with a concerned expression, addressing Wells, Cisco, and Caitlin. "So you weren't kidding about others being affected by the Particle Accelerator."

Wells, Cisco, and Caitlin exchanged a glance, clearly troubled. Wells spoke first, his tone serious. "We're still uncertain about the full extent of who was affected."

Barry nodded gravely. "I encountered one of them. He seemed to have control over the weather."

Cisco's face lit up momentarily, "This just keeps getting cool." but Barry's next words dampened his excitement. "This isn't cool, Cisco. A man lost his life."

Cisco's expression sobered instantly. "Barry..."

Barry continued, his voice urgent. "He gained his powers the same way I did, from that storm cloud. We need to stop him before he causes more harm."

Wells' voice carried a mix of concern and frustration. "Barry, no. This is a matter for the police."

Barry stood his ground. "I'm part of the police effort."

Wells shook his head. "As a forensic assistant. I can't allow this, son."

Barry's tone turned more impassioned. "Dad, you're the reason this happened. You created the Particle Accelerator."

Wells raised his voice in frustration. "What matters here is you! Not me. I've lost everything—my company, my reputation, my freedom. And now, you've developed extraordinary abilities. Inside your body could be the key to incredible discoveries—genetic therapies, cures, advancements we can't even imagine. We can't risk it all because you want to play hero. You're not a hero, Barry. You're just a young man who was struck by lightning."

Barry glanced at Caitlin and Cisco, silently appealing for support, but they remained silent.

Feeling hurt and misunderstood, Barry turned away from the group. "I'm not your science experiment, Dad. Maybe talk to me when you realize that."

He walked off, leaving the weight of his words hanging in the air, prompting Wells, Caitlin, and Cisco to reflect on his words.

With Barry

As Barry raced to see Olivia, memories flooded back—the night his father was arrested, and his mother's tragic murder. Tears welled up in his eyes, clouding his vision as he ascended the stairs of her apartment building in a blur of emotion. His hurried pace caused friction, igniting his jacket. With swift reflexes, he tore it off and threw it aside, focused only on reaching Olivia.

Panting heavily, Barry waited anxiously on the rooftop for Olivia to join him.

Later

Barry shared his story with Olivia amidst the city skyline spread out below them.

Olivia stood near the edge, gazing down thoughtfully before turning to Barry. "So why come to me? Something tells me you didn't just run here to say 'hi' to your girlfriend."

Barry sighed, his emotions raw. "All my life, I've wanted to do more, be more. And now I am. But the first chance to help someone, I screw up. What if my Dad is right? What if I'm not a hero? What if I'm just some guy who was struck by lightning?"

Olivia's eyes softened with understanding. "I don't think that bolt of lightning struck you, Barr. I think it chose you."

Barry shook his head, uncertain. "I'm just not sure I'm cut out for this, Liv. I don't know if I can be some... vigilante."

"You can be better," Olivia reassured him, her voice gentle but firm. "Because you can inspire people in a way that I never could—watching over our city like a guardian angel, making a difference, saving people... in a Flash."

Barry couldn't help but smile at her words. 

"Take your own advice. Wear a mask," Olivia grinned back, her eyes gleaming.

Barry smiled warmly at her, a mixture of gratitude and determination in his eyes. Then, with a quick nod, he sped off, leaving Olivia momentarily stunned by his lightning-fast reflexes.

Olivia chuckled softly to herself. "Well, that's Barry for you. Always keeping me on my toes. Such a turn-on. Don't I love a guy with stamina?" as she bites her bottom lip.

The next day

Olivia sat on her couch, absorbed in the TV show while chatting with Thea on the phone.

"I'm fine, Thea. I promise," Olivia reassured her sister.

A knock at the door interrupted their conversation, prompting Olivia to say, "I gotta go, sis. Love you. Bye."

Setting her phone down, Olivia crossed the room to answer the door, where she found Barry standing with a warm smile.

"Hello, Ms. Queen," Barry greeted her.

Olivia returned the smile. "Mr. Allen. How was your day yesterday?"

Barry replied, "It was okay. I stopped Mardon."

"Yeah," Olivia responded, her gaze filled with affection.

Barry suddenly held up a finger. "Wait a sec."

With a blur of speed, he disappeared and returned moments later with a bouquet of flowers.

"Uh, Barr?" Olivia questioned as she noticed the flowers were on fire.

Barry looked down in surprise. "Oh, god."

"Put them in the sink, hurry!" Olivia urged.

Barry rushed to the sink and turned on the water, quickly extinguishing the flames. He returned to Olivia with the charred flowers, saying, "Here you go."

Olivia chuckled. "I love burned flowers. How did you know?"

Barry grinned playfully. "I had a feeling." They shared a laugh, and Olivia playfully pulled him closer by his waist.

"Promise me you'll be safe out there, Barr?" Olivia asked softly.

"I will, I promise," Barry assured her. "And I promise to get a handle on my powers so I don't burn your flowers again."

"It's fine. Just stay with me," Olivia replied warmly.

Barry gently lifted her onto the kitchen counter and leaned in to kiss her, their affectionate embrace filling the room with warmth and promise.

Barry and Olivia's kiss deepened, their connection tangible as they embraced each other with genuine affection and longing. The world around them seemed to fade away as they lost themselves in the moment, their hearts beating in sync.

After a while, they reluctantly pulled apart, their foreheads resting together as they caught their breath.

Olivia whispered softly, "You have this habit of making even the most chaotic moments feel like the calmest."

Barry smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "It's easy when I'm with you."

Olivia's expression softened, her eyes reflecting a mix of admiration and concern. "Promise me again, Barry. Promise me you'll be careful."

Barry nodded solemnly. "I promise, Liv. I'll do everything I can to keep myself safe."

She leaned in, kissing him gently on the lips again, a silent affirmation of their bond. As they parted, Barry held her close, feeling a sense of home in her arms.

Barry and Olivia settled on the couch, each holding a bowl of popcorn as they flipped through channels.

Barry chuckled at a sitcom rerun, nudging Olivia gently. "I can't believe you like this stuff."

Olivia grinned, nudging him back. "Hey, sometimes you need a good laugh."

They spent the evening relaxing together, occasionally commenting on shows and movies. As the night wore on, Barry felt a sense of peace he hadn't felt in a long time.

Eventually, Olivia leaned against him, her head resting on his shoulder. "Thanks for being here, Barry."

Barry smiled, placing an arm around her. "Always."

They stayed like that for a while, enjoying the quiet comfort of each other's company, before eventually drifting off to sleep on the couch, the TV flickering softly in the background.

With Wells

He was driving his wheelchair down the hallway and once he reached a certain part he put his hand against the wall and a secret door opened.

He drove his wheelchair in and he stopped in the middle of the room as the door closed behind him.

Wells stood up and he took off his glasses as he set them on the wheelchair.

He walked to the console at the other side and he put his hand on the center and a hologram activated as it showed a picture of the Flash.

It was an article that said, 'Flash Missing Vanishes In Crisis'.

And the date on the article said, 'April 25, 2024'.

To be continued...