x
Bette woke up slowly, shivering in a back bedroom. Her eyelashes batted a few times before her eyes came to focus.586Please respect copyright.PENANAibPRE5E2f3
586Please respect copyright.PENANAslV7nFt5oA
It reminded her of the days of scraping what little sleep she could have on her lumpy cot in off times of combat. But now her paranoia wasn't a top priority anymore; unfortunately it was still there.586Please respect copyright.PENANAgUyjKyv7Is
586Please respect copyright.PENANASVSgH9KXA8
She took a few long moments to realize she was not on the bunk beds near the battle fields, but inside S.T.A.R. Labs. Looking down her body she felt the cushion of a navy blue sweater with the S.T.A.R. Labs logo nearly touch the top of her chin. She was still wearing her purple shirt underneath. Her leather jacket was removed and placed over the metal chair in the corner of the room.586Please respect copyright.PENANAkvLTvOYWzf
586Please respect copyright.PENANAPJFYBxebvu
Somebody must have taken it off and put the sweater over her top half. She bit her voice back as she rose from the bed, groaning as her neck was the last feeling that took a while to spring back to life.586Please respect copyright.PENANAlwwalruzKJ
586Please respect copyright.PENANAsODgNX9pXI
She dreamed of nothing. Again. Ever since returning back from her mission her dreams had been non-existent or just were blatant nightmares. She heard a soft knock and numbly wiped away a tear that desperately wanted to slide down her face.586Please respect copyright.PENANAoboVmZnlld
586Please respect copyright.PENANA5PksIN1G6v
Bette sighed in relief as Caitlin Snow, dressed in her usual form-fitting attire peeked inside the room as if she were checking something.586Please respect copyright.PENANAm4jdZVjzic
586Please respect copyright.PENANASILy9KU6x0
"Good morning, how are you feeling Bette?" Caitlin asked her, moving further inside the room so Bette could make out her figure.586Please respect copyright.PENANAu9kzSFXuqB
586Please respect copyright.PENANANKeqwuz9mT
Bette composed herself, confirming she was okay to the doctor. For Bette, putting on some emotion was going to be hard all over again but she was going to try. She had a strong second chance, she reminded herself of that.586Please respect copyright.PENANAFwbnndlcdD
586Please respect copyright.PENANAfLrQVvTTWx
Bette's face stiffly smiled when Caitlin amicably returned a smile. She looked at Caitlin for a moment before clearing her throat, "Where's Barry and Cisco? Dr. Wells?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAvMm6pcEEiW
586Please respect copyright.PENANAEQCO3CkOMN
Caitlin firmly invited herself inside, shut the door behind and sat on the chair near the bed.586Please respect copyright.PENANAinf8Lo2pJq
586Please respect copyright.PENANAZdSphrZhkU
"For now it's just you and me. Do you want some breakfast?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAm4b0GMSAtO
586Please respect copyright.PENANAx5RuTp6lii
Bette reluctantly agreed and stood up slowly from the bed, pulling the sweater she wore as she looked on it with curious eyes. Caitlin looked at her and slightly smiled.586Please respect copyright.PENANAWQdwmtVr7i
586Please respect copyright.PENANAH3eOemjkFQ
"Barry saw that you were cold and he stayed with you until you fell asleep. I came in to wake him up and noticed he put a sweater on you. I'm sorry it was so cold in here. I wish there was a way you go back to home. Dr. Wells just wants you to be safe. General Eiling is a very unpredictable man. Plus we don’t know anything about him yet. Maybe Harrison could help us find out more."586Please respect copyright.PENANARactji4qhe
586Please respect copyright.PENANAuRqOKuHfub
Caitlin observed her reactions and twitched her mouth.586Please respect copyright.PENANAnoMDvOhexF
586Please respect copyright.PENANA8jpWp4IR7n
"Did you sleep well?" Caitlin asked.586Please respect copyright.PENANAWbdw3SxTl4
586Please respect copyright.PENANAoc07YyWtYw
Bette bit her lip, looking away, nodding knowingly. "Sometimes I don't even fall asleep. And if I do, I stay awake most of the night. I don't know how I stayed asleep last night."586Please respect copyright.PENANAQ07V4Z8tHP
586Please respect copyright.PENANAniMkQ3TgeG
Caitlin nodded, attempting to understand her hardships. Both of them have been through a lot of trauma in their lives but on fairly different levels. Caitlin felt sympathetic to Bette; she wanted to know her better. Maybe they could become friends.586Please respect copyright.PENANAAVPjKz209b
586Please respect copyright.PENANAG3i1gpBqmw
"I'm sorry."586Please respect copyright.PENANAH0Z4CIgJIb
586Please respect copyright.PENANAZMB4F5P6Lk
Bette shrugged slightly as if it was routine, and in a way, it was. "I guess I thought my PTSD would stay with me for a long time."586Please respect copyright.PENANA9PMkN6pCel
586Please respect copyright.PENANAJIJdVZ7Uzb
Caitlin made a mental note; maybe Barry had something to do with that. "I suppose then it was good to have Barry around."586Please respect copyright.PENANA57zN6jhhvb
586Please respect copyright.PENANAU76IfSqIbh
Bette wanted to smile but held back, her lips held tightly together and she almost broke down again but willed the last bit of emotional stamina she had left to dissipate everything.586Please respect copyright.PENANAaTmILA7mTO
586Please respect copyright.PENANAhf3BW12x93
She composed herself and pushed her strawberry blonde hair out of her eyes, clearing her throat of residual emotion. "Umm, you mentioned breakfast?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAszeW0wKXSZ
586Please respect copyright.PENANAfAcMaq8tMz
"Follow me." Caitlin replied, leading the way out of the room toward another room that looked as if it was barely used.586Please respect copyright.PENANAYE8alqhSUq
586Please respect copyright.PENANA4IjGC7h1wo
Caitlin walked to the counter, grabbed a couple of paper bags and placed them on the table in the center.586Please respect copyright.PENANAFDE2JpvZC6
586Please respect copyright.PENANAwPKgPE1vMl
Bette just stood there, watching aimlessly. It had been forever and a day since she sat down to properly eat. Most of the meals served in the army commissary were timed and soldiers barely socialized nor did they make eye contact with each other. If they did, it was for a very good reason.586Please respect copyright.PENANALZAcO308up
586Please respect copyright.PENANAw46TCguFbj
Caitlin moved abruptly and Bette woke out of her trance as the doctor placed clear, plastic gloves on the table. She looked at Bette.586Please respect copyright.PENANAPSC5B0aGsp
586Please respect copyright.PENANALABPt4dGz4
"You can sit down, you don't need to wait, its OK." Caitlin said, looking at Bette with warm eyes.586Please respect copyright.PENANAu3IshzKleq
586Please respect copyright.PENANABwWBLFEptc
Bette calmly and carefully took a seat across from Caitlin's and patiently watched as she had sat down too.586Please respect copyright.PENANAoVs5mBRsVf
586Please respect copyright.PENANAj13QNxlCKx
The two girls sat in silence for a few moments. The room was almost desolate. It looked like the lunch room of a cubicle office but with more stationed advanced cookery.586Please respect copyright.PENANAWpGJOKuHdQ
586Please respect copyright.PENANAZpkegp92bC
Caitlin handed Bette a warm wrapper on a paper plate and placed a couple napkins next to her. Near it were a couple of juice cartons.586Please respect copyright.PENANA25KukJerHc
586Please respect copyright.PENANAzWdmikQCsY
"It's a breakfast bagel and some OJ. Cisco and I eat this all the time when we're on the go. You can start if you want." Caitlin slightly urged, pushing the plastic gloves more in front of her.586Please respect copyright.PENANAdlqu4xsfjj
586Please respect copyright.PENANAPjPta1vZsa
"Thank you. I...I'm sorry if I'm...quiet."586Please respect copyright.PENANAezEMp5HL5b
586Please respect copyright.PENANAikosjqiaKw
Caitlin smiled and drank a long sip from her cup. "It's alright. I would prefer a little silence in this place anyway. It's gotten more chaotic than I can keep up with sometimes. Assisting Barry fight crime isn't exactly a trip to the library. I'm always on call."586Please respect copyright.PENANAtOFwynLcmG
586Please respect copyright.PENANA97zZOU0qIM
Things were quiet for a few seconds until Bette remembered more bits from yesterday.586Please respect copyright.PENANAGeB2ZLLPef
586Please respect copyright.PENANAWCIE6XEMKA
"Thank you, for what you, Cisco and Barry did for me yesterday. I don't think my body could have survived those treatments if you didn't do what you did." She said sincerely.586Please respect copyright.PENANAqIyuYxAwqK
586Please respect copyright.PENANARl10w9vsDI
Caitlin gingerly offered a comforting smile. "We couldn't do that to you. I just knew there was another way to help you. You're welcome."586Please respect copyright.PENANAyCjBWPa40n
586Please respect copyright.PENANAoGyQbu5e0N
Bette looked down at her lap, her bare hands were shaking and she decided to slip on the plastic gloves.586Please respect copyright.PENANA2Cg24kHoSk
586Please respect copyright.PENANAUj6aw3MMaI
She wanted to know something but it was hard for her to come out with it. "Barry uses his abilities to, um, help others?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAibNqZNWgIx
586Please respect copyright.PENANAUL7M79Xtcx
Caitlin bit from her bagel and wiped her hands on the napkin. "He's supposed to. Least that's what he wants to do with them. We're helping him realize that."586Please respect copyright.PENANAgBpMxDRglg
586Please respect copyright.PENANAb9KBlERh0Q
Bette took in what she said. "He must be really special then. I'm starting to get used to the idea that there is someone else out there like me."586Please respect copyright.PENANApW4Vk3FEfl
586Please respect copyright.PENANAAt56K9VJsa
The doctor chewed a couple bites before replying.586Please respect copyright.PENANAbeRDiGkVwm
586Please respect copyright.PENANAkHdKHPquk9
"There are many." Caitlin said, finishing the last bit of her bagel.586Please respect copyright.PENANA5dNPHu73RG
586Please respect copyright.PENANAwE3fdXuemo
"Many?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAYdNKjeATvK
586Please respect copyright.PENANAtakPWMYfel
"Meta-humans, like you, and like Barry. We just haven't discovered them yet."586Please respect copyright.PENANAXCaXK59H5p
586Please respect copyright.PENANAwTj9e7UXff
“I didn’t think there were more. I thought I was alone.”586Please respect copyright.PENANAhhI52CHTIQ
586Please respect copyright.PENANAJxafyoYt3K
Caitlin was about to answer but stopped when she looked at Bette not touching her food.586Please respect copyright.PENANAEI9uJzEcbp
586Please respect copyright.PENANAaGuzZHs2b9
"Were you hungry or...?"586Please respect copyright.PENANASK6Ftrt1Nq
586Please respect copyright.PENANAuaI3KDA1ne
Bette's body held still, she realized she'd not properly eaten for days and her stomach began rumbling.586Please respect copyright.PENANAFgrOKYpICS
586Please respect copyright.PENANAOttObiH2a4
"Sorry…I guess I could eat something."586Please respect copyright.PENANAKcFzkMXFfp
586Please respect copyright.PENANAtf3Flk79Q0
Bette started nibbling on her food while Caitlin looked on.586Please respect copyright.PENANAVtSxiXOeRq
586Please respect copyright.PENANAPcFajNPQ4V
"You know, you and I have some things in common."586Please respect copyright.PENANACj5ajGejvy
586Please respect copyright.PENANAe110bDUSZw
Bette put down the bagel to pick up her drink and looked at Caitlin.586Please respect copyright.PENANAokFqcHutnS
586Please respect copyright.PENANAmerGlReFtn
"I'm serious. I know it's probably uncomfortable living now the way you do. You've been through a lot of things that you can't relive again. The pain? Your pain, I know what it feels like."586Please respect copyright.PENANAA3NySzAQbw
586Please respect copyright.PENANAZXf6g6bZpu
Bette was silent as she took a huge bite from her food and nearly choke on what she bit.586Please respect copyright.PENANANsAYmBRf7L
586Please respect copyright.PENANAk1u64p6Wea
What Caitlin was saying rang true, only one thing didn't make sense.586Please respect copyright.PENANACyQcsf9A2r
586Please respect copyright.PENANAoHajUeQnSX
"What makes you think you and I have been through the exact same things?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAWTtnatpDNT
586Please respect copyright.PENANAdXYS491Bpc
Caitlin stood up to throw away her trash and sat back down, looking at Bette calmly. "I know what it's like to feel helpless in a situation. Knowing I could have done more."586Please respect copyright.PENANA5zMKSDFi9X
586Please respect copyright.PENANAYVmMEaPxvp
Bette swallowed hard as she drank some juice to coat the dryness in her throat. "Maybe, maybe that's true."586Please respect copyright.PENANAB2CxaKsGqk
586Please respect copyright.PENANA17EqZcQwKG
The soldier finished her breakfast and they washed their hands before returning back to the main foyer. Bette had flashed back to last night as she remembered how Barry was with her. She couldn't believe someone stayed with her all night until she slept. It seemed unreal and almost out of character for someone to be so selfless. She hadn’t known that side of a human for a long time.586Please respect copyright.PENANA4e5ABQQEQ3
586Please respect copyright.PENANAfr39feaD7c
"Hmm, well I guess he's not here. Dr. Wells will be coming in soon. Cisco is always kind of late anyway. And Barry..." Caitlin trailed off looking at some paperwork on her desk.586Please respect copyright.PENANArpvDUybt1V
586Please respect copyright.PENANA9ECdiPBnEx
"Where is Barry?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAQ75udPeuD9
586Please respect copyright.PENANAiJ2b1PcUmc
Caitlin almost thought of making something up on the spot but Bette was already told Barry exercised his abilities to help people.586Please respect copyright.PENANA1FuH0byNgY
586Please respect copyright.PENANAn1T7mTtf1y
"Risking his life to save everyone. If you ask me he's in way over his head. He is a forensic scientist and an intelligent man. I’ve been around those guys and I know how they operate. He should not be eager to jump into Central City's chaos so abruptly, especially without evaluating the situation. Strategy and then execution, you know? Of course he doesn't have a habit of listening to me, or anyone for that matter. I can’t decide if he's being brave or reckless."586Please respect copyright.PENANAqSSi6OersV
586Please respect copyright.PENANAxojtbueOg0
Bette listened as she flashed back to the moment Barry told her he was using his gifts to help others. She watched as he almost sullenly expressed his need to use everything he had in his power to help, not questioning how dangerous it can be for him in the long run.586Please respect copyright.PENANAyy52h0PGah
586Please respect copyright.PENANA76yhfXLvKh
"Barry is stubborn then. I guess I can relate to that. My foster parents didn't want me volunteering for Iraq. I only wanted to make a difference and mean more than I was to people, which wasn't a lot anyway..." Bette said, looking as Caitlin sat down and began typing something into her computer.586Please respect copyright.PENANAN0aNC8U6Jr
586Please respect copyright.PENANA1PmF3SD0z2
She sighed and flicked her eyes between Bette and the computer screen. "Barry reminds me of how Ronnie was...he, well they are really similar. Ronnie was my fiancé 10 months ago. We were going to start our lives together and then when the particle accelerator malfunctioned, exploded, Ronnie thought he could fix it and he..."586Please respect copyright.PENANAx27iMSCt1F
586Please respect copyright.PENANAFRZwP7peor
Bette's brows slightly tensed; Caitlin suddenly looked vulnerable, almost like Bette had right before she broke down yesterday.586Please respect copyright.PENANAPcjoVTCE3Q
586Please respect copyright.PENANAxlM5EgvFfS
"He saved us all." Caitlin concluded and began typing furiously while placing self-restraint on her emotions.586Please respect copyright.PENANAD8XyewVfrg
586Please respect copyright.PENANAxVRxvjd4t7
The corner of Bette's lips curved, "Back where I come from, he would have been honored. Soldiers in combat sacrifice their lives for the greater good, it's the bravest honor I've seen any of my comrades do. They are all heroes."586Please respect copyright.PENANA6h4o3uVL3a
586Please respect copyright.PENANAIojWCJcS65
Caitlin swallowed, hearing this a second time was getting easier, she had to stop fighting herself when it came to Ronnie. It was in the past; it was time to move on.586Please respect copyright.PENANAWONwNxtKMp
586Please respect copyright.PENANA9O3GzYb5wg
"Barry said the same thing. You and he are quite similar." Caitlin said, typing one last key, sitting back in her chair looking at Bette fidgeting.586Please respect copyright.PENANA2tfoNy1J9J
586Please respect copyright.PENANABcY7Px31El
Bette caught herself and stopped as she took the seat next to a desk to what looked like a bunch of venting machine snacks surrounding a computer screen.586Please respect copyright.PENANACOUQe3T49Z
586Please respect copyright.PENANA1ffV3xGofu
"We're forced to be brave and not show emotions in the heat of the battle. I've gotten so used to being this way I don't know any other way to be. Barry, he's, he saved me, but I saw something in his eyes, when he looked at me for a moment. It wasn't a look I'd seen my comrades gave me when we save lives. Barry has compassion, his eyes have so much emotion, and he uses that when he fights. I use my anger and the last time I did I failed."586Please respect copyright.PENANAVFQ2QR0Y3v
586Please respect copyright.PENANA0Y25Tvo5V7
Caitlin and Bette shared a strong look.586Please respect copyright.PENANAHIlhJIMRwg
586Please respect copyright.PENANAVFPPFJ4pLW
"So I guess maybe, we aren't that similar."586Please respect copyright.PENANA4O9fcJZdcI
586Please respect copyright.PENANAxhARC069Xj
"Somehow I doubt that. Only you know what it feels like to be a meta-human. If only there was a way for you to understand it better."586Please respect copyright.PENANAsxpkQtnwJz
586Please respect copyright.PENANAQYg6ejIc7y
Bette was unsure. "You diagnosed the issue. Apparently I'm stuck with it forever. There's no way to fix it unless I had control over this. But I don't."586Please respect copyright.PENANA3krahbRxnH
586Please respect copyright.PENANA7luMJF0lEi
There was an uncomfortable silence that smothered the room. Neither Caitlin nor Bette were sure what to say and even if they did it'd be negated by the simple fact that it was going to take a miracle to solve this.586Please respect copyright.PENANARPlttKTdYl
586Please respect copyright.PENANAADO3epoIe8
"Wait!" Caitlin exclaimed, startling Bette.586Please respect copyright.PENANAa3W29cKJhV
586Please respect copyright.PENANAV9XLqKTerO
"Sorry, I mean, what did you say before about controlling your powers?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAtzrSHVTAI7
586Please respect copyright.PENANAzYvkdKWFsX
Bette reiterated. "That I couldn't. There was no way I could. My PTSD makes it difficult to control anything." She added while Caitlin's face almost lit up.586Please respect copyright.PENANAOf3b6m3kFq
586Please respect copyright.PENANAjC7Z8y5b9U
"So this is a psychological prognosis, of course. Hold on." She grabbed her phone and sent out a quick message on it then turned back to Bette.586Please respect copyright.PENANAMDbCe3Vfvg
586Please respect copyright.PENANATtjeFwudYy
"PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder is a brain infraction...the personal affects stem only inside of the brain and can't be removed by sheer will. They have to actually be--I got it!" Caitlin nearly yelled and Bette was left scratching her head.586Please respect copyright.PENANATrMGrDAW0I
586Please respect copyright.PENANAaIw05F8n1w
Caitlin's cell phone rang before Bette could ask any questions. "Yes, get down here immediately, I have something that may actually be plausible to Bette's issue."586Please respect copyright.PENANAWFe6dsnr0I
586Please respect copyright.PENANAeuwx2SDRP9
Bette cleared her throat when she noticed Caitlin looked to be in another realm. "I don't understand, what's going on?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAEfK9XHaHXA
586Please respect copyright.PENANAYuGYMLqk68
The doors to the headquarters' entrance opened suddenly and in rolled Dr. Harrison Wells with Cisco following behind him. Barry was nowhere in sight again.586Please respect copyright.PENANAoDLKFzxIcf
586Please respect copyright.PENANAr2wqE9e1J1
Bette almost wanted to escape for the second time, Dr. Wells was an ominous man and she didn't like it. Usually eerie individuals weren't to be trusted and in most cases were eliminated to protect the public from further destruction. Army mentality was still strong inside of her. Wells was holding her gaze but shifted his expression into a more professional welcome.586Please respect copyright.PENANA64bSpnZmYu
586Please respect copyright.PENANA6E0zfMRJri
"Ms. Souci, pleasure to see you again." Dr. Wells said, looking at her just like he had when he told her to put a bullet in Eiling's brain.586Please respect copyright.PENANAXJkVvxvl1r
586Please respect copyright.PENANA5TRWdN8gN4
This can't be the same guy who now wanted her best interest at heart.586Please respect copyright.PENANARsf83OjUYO
586Please respect copyright.PENANADarmy3Nk02
His eyes went sharply from Bette's over to Caitlin frantically writing something down, "Caitlin, give me what you have and let all of us review it before acting."586Please respect copyright.PENANA1Qr7OFPat0
586Please respect copyright.PENANA1CA7dmZF6e
Cisco hopped over his desk and grabbed something wrapped off from it. "Uh, I don't mean to be a jerk but guys, isn't Barry part of this decision too? Like, shouldn't we wait for the dude?"586Please respect copyright.PENANA8pYlaPEal9
586Please respect copyright.PENANAOrVuKexzpO
Bette shared a soft look with Cisco; clearly he remembered Barry cared more about Bette than anyone else she knew in this room. The thought alone made her feel uncomfortable. She didn’t know if it was because Dr. Wells seemed to be ignoring Cisco or the fact that Barry cared as much as he did.586Please respect copyright.PENANAyRQATsZM67
586Please respect copyright.PENANAb3eSuRzjqK
"Guys? What's going on? Is it Bette? Give me an update? Is she OK?" Barry yelled through the system. "Guys, answer me!"586Please respect copyright.PENANA3ksgypEGFN
586Please respect copyright.PENANAQk3nOq56B5
Bette almost rushed over but Caitlin pushed the button before she could move an inch.586Please respect copyright.PENANAgfeWaqfXcY
586Please respect copyright.PENANARmS4PZXT3p
Barry groaned on the other end and they suddenly got cut through the transmission.586Please respect copyright.PENANA6BZqHg7kAs
586Please respect copyright.PENANAEvj0T6oL8u
Caitlin's wide eyes glared, she worried for the worst. "Oh god, Barry, what is going on?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAlFBT6UgJfI
586Please respect copyright.PENANA1FxX1zVcaB
She fiddled with the controls, pushing reset again. "Cisco, reboot, Barry lost us."586Please respect copyright.PENANAXT8awAz5DL
586Please respect copyright.PENANAwRyvG2zgJH
Cisco followed instructions swiftly while Dr. Wells looked from the corner of his eye to Bette.586Please respect copyright.PENANAUTFRDr268j
586Please respect copyright.PENANA8TSHzFwi0S
Bette was uncomfortable, she didn't like the way Dr. Wells periodically looked at her as if something was her fault. In this case, how could it be? She didn't blow anything up with her abilities. This one wasn't on her. Why was he still looking at her like it was?586Please respect copyright.PENANA1nsZOUcbRV
586Please respect copyright.PENANA9HL5gTBuZN
She wanted to help Caitlin and Cisco but she kept behind the controls, pacing nervously until something sounded right on the feedback end.586Please respect copyright.PENANA3pMFMiw9Lj
586Please respect copyright.PENANA4PQL4mJPzI
Suddenly, all the papers in the room flew up and a coughing Barry was lying in the center of the room, trying to stand up.586Please respect copyright.PENANAT9GhAb2UQm
586Please respect copyright.PENANA2mRb205l1X
Barry picked up his head, attempting to regain his senses again. His face was bruised and his lip had a cut on the corner of it. His eyes focused around the room, trying to find Bette. She was ok, he collapsed as Caitlin and Cisco came to his aid.586Please respect copyright.PENANAfUFKFZCUVr
586Please respect copyright.PENANAjp2aCXUYUy
Bette almost rushed to help them but held back when she felt her hands heat up. It was a sign she could render anything explosive. Bette turned around and ran back to the room she slept in, shutting the door.586Please respect copyright.PENANAYwPdumxVKR
586Please respect copyright.PENANATkvnOf7i1V
She was useless and every bit of her felt that way. How was she going to survive anything when she couldn't control her powers? Barry made a mistake in saving her.586Please respect copyright.PENANAPP0fOMRKQa
586Please respect copyright.PENANAcTKe9qJMxR
There was a knock on the door and before she could open it the door swung open slowly.586Please respect copyright.PENANAABHv7RqHaO
586Please respect copyright.PENANA8W1k9RU72Y
"Bette, what are you doing in here?" Cisco said, opening the door all the way. "We need you."586Please respect copyright.PENANAr2ZYkaKz6O
586Please respect copyright.PENANAmYA3CLFDTd
“Is Barry OK?” She asked, her voice shaking.586Please respect copyright.PENANA31o6JuoBrH
586Please respect copyright.PENANAjVk5MGVJnC
“He is, Caitlin is with him and Dr. Wells is standing by. Are you alright?” Cisco asked; his concern for her imminent. 586Please respect copyright.PENANAvnmNuAb4Ks
586Please respect copyright.PENANAqOF1wxsF8k
“He can heal fast. It’s part of who he is.” Caitlin said from a distance.586Please respect copyright.PENANAsxC7GcFEiZ
586Please respect copyright.PENANAOoU7wEEFyF
Bette took a deep breath and stood up upon hearing this. She had to see for herself.586Please respect copyright.PENANAIhww27FyaX
586Please respect copyright.PENANADI8wga4AqQ
Bette followed Cisco back into the room as Caitlin began cleaning off Barry's cuts and scrapes. She didn't notice Bette come in and came out of it when Cisco cleared his throat. Bette felt her gloved hands, looking at Caitlin applying the alcohol to Barry's face, helping him onto the medical bed. He looked like he’d been through a brutal school yard fight. Bette hoped he didn’t suffer emotional trauma despite his fast healing.586Please respect copyright.PENANAfgavbUBy3h
586Please respect copyright.PENANA5vNZClFBDH
Bette felt eyes on her and reluctantly looked to Harrison Wells staring her way as if he was trying to figure her out. She felt like a lab rat, she didn't see how these people could help her. She could have just killed Eiling and left for good. Would it have been that easy?586Please respect copyright.PENANAJG4Y3ZY8pM
586Please respect copyright.PENANApUd2TXsmht
“Ms. Souci, Caitlin brought into the picture something that may be the cure to what you’re seeking.”586Please respect copyright.PENANAyghNa3jVk1
586Please respect copyright.PENANAOtZ3K9tZHY
She nodded emotionless. “She said that before. Does she know what you told me to do?”586Please respect copyright.PENANAWjk6NvjzlR
586Please respect copyright.PENANAZnnWsOTRWz
Dr. Wells’ jaw clenched, it seemed like the soldier he was sure he knew well had a conscious. Barry could have something to do with this sudden change in character. But it was no matter to the doctor. He wasn’t guilty of anything reprimanding. He was going to let her believe whatever she wanted to believe.586Please respect copyright.PENANAREy7cI2YCi
586Please respect copyright.PENANAL2fJytP8mQ
“I only showed you the door Bette. I did not make you walk through it.”586Please respect copyright.PENANAoced9WCLr0
586Please respect copyright.PENANAe9frkbYuoH
“Barry said I am better than that.” Bette said, her confidence growing with each second. “I’m starting to believe him. I am not a killer Dr. Wells and you aren’t going to turn me into one. I’m smarter than I was in combat. Barry believes in me.”586Please respect copyright.PENANAOPVuNdMgHV
586Please respect copyright.PENANAb9rKJRQ6M2
Dr. Wells wasn't phased. "It would appear he is of an influence to you." 586Please respect copyright.PENANACUtpErJCl3
586Please respect copyright.PENANAWJC7ZW9dp1
Bette's eyes glowed a strong purple, she looked at Wells slowly drinking his cup and watched it explode out of his hand upon his second drink.586Please respect copyright.PENANAR976ArfmNS
586Please respect copyright.PENANAfjJ9QmuOev
"What the hell happened?" Cisco asked as he scrambled to put out the small blast of fire.586Please respect copyright.PENANAwZ4Pc2VRCb
586Please respect copyright.PENANAGWXzXukoTc
Cisco's face softened when he looked at Bette.586Please respect copyright.PENANADpIuRc9L0J
586Please respect copyright.PENANAD0EJCWBTXx
"I'm sorry. What can I say...." Bette started to say, "it was out of my control."586Please respect copyright.PENANAVuJn7QogQ3
586Please respect copyright.PENANAQXLrJtkFTR
Dr. Wells titled his head back knowing full well she was lying. "Accidents happen." His piercing blue eyes pinned her down, almost challenging her to say what she said again about his subtle threats. "Right, Ms. Souci?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAyfnccCbOJN
586Please respect copyright.PENANAcZUzh1EArw
Bette felt everyone's eyes on her as she shook inside her body. Barry looked at her with suspicion. He wondered what was going on between Bette and Dr. Wells when Caitlin finished patching up his bruises with the remainder of gauze she held.586Please respect copyright.PENANAszgTWFfznm
586Please respect copyright.PENANADiASmwTUyF
"Bette?" Barry asked, trying to get up to her but Caitlin's arm calmly held him in place as she tended to his wounds.586Please respect copyright.PENANAw14VH8cG4T
586Please respect copyright.PENANAkqpgEaZ1pw
"Why..." She said, pausing to look at Wells' face. "Why am I here?"586Please respect copyright.PENANA2LhzZ9AnpJ
586Please respect copyright.PENANADxtpspx4Gz
Wells turned his eyes on Caitlin, then almost sarcastically back on Bette. "Caitlin, what did you configure on Ms. Souci?"586Please respect copyright.PENANA2xQDfxrYvZ
586Please respect copyright.PENANASiT5nfLVq5
Barry sharply looked at Caitlin, while keeping his attention on Bette. "Guys, what's going on?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAydI3dLkRPs
586Please respect copyright.PENANARKF0ud4GNA
Caitlin came around the desk, she wanted Bette to be calm when she told her what she was about to tell her.586Please respect copyright.PENANAIzs4NQhuFN
586Please respect copyright.PENANAegEUh2UUFb
"Bette, do you trust us?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAwmf6uYhvdO
586Please respect copyright.PENANAmHw6lD6sOi
Bette notice Barry looking at her, his eyes nearly piercing her but softening when they became more understanding than judgmental.586Please respect copyright.PENANA46girUeo6v
586Please respect copyright.PENANAWN9Mgw3ygC
"Yes, I do." She said blankly.586Please respect copyright.PENANACorr2bkBGb
586Please respect copyright.PENANA5bvJIYI6uR
Caitlin cleared her throat, now or never, "Your problem is interior, it requires...an internal solution. The only one that has a chance to work."586Please respect copyright.PENANARBDBba0uIF
586Please respect copyright.PENANAB6PCT80ebV
Bette forced herself to calm down and took a deep breath. "What does that mean?"586Please respect copyright.PENANADGEbyzQnCV
586Please respect copyright.PENANADbPnxrHQi9
"Doing something dangerous. It's risky; there are ramifications." Caitlin said, while pulling the status document from her desk and handing it to Bette.586Please respect copyright.PENANA7qJlTBBhte
586Please respect copyright.PENANA4HB5lg97pw
Bette took several seconds before she rose her head, before she could cry the paper burst into flames as it dropped to the ground.586Please respect copyright.PENANAo8fcE9KWlL
ns 172.70.126.193da2 586Please respect copyright.PENANAslV7nFt5oA
It reminded her of the days of scraping what little sleep she could have on her lumpy cot in off times of combat. But now her paranoia wasn't a top priority anymore; unfortunately it was still there.586Please respect copyright.PENANAgUyjKyv7Is
586Please respect copyright.PENANASVSgH9KXA8
She took a few long moments to realize she was not on the bunk beds near the battle fields, but inside S.T.A.R. Labs. Looking down her body she felt the cushion of a navy blue sweater with the S.T.A.R. Labs logo nearly touch the top of her chin. She was still wearing her purple shirt underneath. Her leather jacket was removed and placed over the metal chair in the corner of the room.586Please respect copyright.PENANAkvLTvOYWzf
586Please respect copyright.PENANAPJFYBxebvu
Somebody must have taken it off and put the sweater over her top half. She bit her voice back as she rose from the bed, groaning as her neck was the last feeling that took a while to spring back to life.586Please respect copyright.PENANAlwwalruzKJ
586Please respect copyright.PENANAsODgNX9pXI
She dreamed of nothing. Again. Ever since returning back from her mission her dreams had been non-existent or just were blatant nightmares. She heard a soft knock and numbly wiped away a tear that desperately wanted to slide down her face.586Please respect copyright.PENANAoboVmZnlld
586Please respect copyright.PENANA5PksIN1G6v
Bette sighed in relief as Caitlin Snow, dressed in her usual form-fitting attire peeked inside the room as if she were checking something.586Please respect copyright.PENANAm4jdZVjzic
586Please respect copyright.PENANASILy9KU6x0
"Good morning, how are you feeling Bette?" Caitlin asked her, moving further inside the room so Bette could make out her figure.586Please respect copyright.PENANAu9kzSFXuqB
586Please respect copyright.PENANANKeqwuz9mT
Bette composed herself, confirming she was okay to the doctor. For Bette, putting on some emotion was going to be hard all over again but she was going to try. She had a strong second chance, she reminded herself of that.586Please respect copyright.PENANAFwbnndlcdD
586Please respect copyright.PENANAfLrQVvTTWx
Bette's face stiffly smiled when Caitlin amicably returned a smile. She looked at Caitlin for a moment before clearing her throat, "Where's Barry and Cisco? Dr. Wells?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAvMm6pcEEiW
586Please respect copyright.PENANAEQCO3CkOMN
Caitlin firmly invited herself inside, shut the door behind and sat on the chair near the bed.586Please respect copyright.PENANAinf8Lo2pJq
586Please respect copyright.PENANAZdSphrZhkU
"For now it's just you and me. Do you want some breakfast?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAm4b0GMSAtO
586Please respect copyright.PENANAx5RuTp6lii
Bette reluctantly agreed and stood up slowly from the bed, pulling the sweater she wore as she looked on it with curious eyes. Caitlin looked at her and slightly smiled.586Please respect copyright.PENANAWQdwmtVr7i
586Please respect copyright.PENANAH3eOemjkFQ
"Barry saw that you were cold and he stayed with you until you fell asleep. I came in to wake him up and noticed he put a sweater on you. I'm sorry it was so cold in here. I wish there was a way you go back to home. Dr. Wells just wants you to be safe. General Eiling is a very unpredictable man. Plus we don’t know anything about him yet. Maybe Harrison could help us find out more."586Please respect copyright.PENANARactji4qhe
586Please respect copyright.PENANAuRqOKuHfub
Caitlin observed her reactions and twitched her mouth.586Please respect copyright.PENANAnoMDvOhexF
586Please respect copyright.PENANA8jpWp4IR7n
"Did you sleep well?" Caitlin asked.586Please respect copyright.PENANAWbdw3SxTl4
586Please respect copyright.PENANAoc07YyWtYw
Bette bit her lip, looking away, nodding knowingly. "Sometimes I don't even fall asleep. And if I do, I stay awake most of the night. I don't know how I stayed asleep last night."586Please respect copyright.PENANAQ07V4Z8tHP
586Please respect copyright.PENANAniMkQ3TgeG
Caitlin nodded, attempting to understand her hardships. Both of them have been through a lot of trauma in their lives but on fairly different levels. Caitlin felt sympathetic to Bette; she wanted to know her better. Maybe they could become friends.586Please respect copyright.PENANAAVPjKz209b
586Please respect copyright.PENANAG3i1gpBqmw
"I'm sorry."586Please respect copyright.PENANAH0Z4CIgJIb
586Please respect copyright.PENANAZMB4F5P6Lk
Bette shrugged slightly as if it was routine, and in a way, it was. "I guess I thought my PTSD would stay with me for a long time."586Please respect copyright.PENANA9PMkN6pCel
586Please respect copyright.PENANAJIJdVZ7Uzb
Caitlin made a mental note; maybe Barry had something to do with that. "I suppose then it was good to have Barry around."586Please respect copyright.PENANA57zN6jhhvb
586Please respect copyright.PENANAU76IfSqIbh
Bette wanted to smile but held back, her lips held tightly together and she almost broke down again but willed the last bit of emotional stamina she had left to dissipate everything.586Please respect copyright.PENANAaTmILA7mTO
586Please respect copyright.PENANAhf3BW12x93
She composed herself and pushed her strawberry blonde hair out of her eyes, clearing her throat of residual emotion. "Umm, you mentioned breakfast?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAszeW0wKXSZ
586Please respect copyright.PENANAfAcMaq8tMz
"Follow me." Caitlin replied, leading the way out of the room toward another room that looked as if it was barely used.586Please respect copyright.PENANAYE8alqhSUq
586Please respect copyright.PENANA4IjGC7h1wo
Caitlin walked to the counter, grabbed a couple of paper bags and placed them on the table in the center.586Please respect copyright.PENANAFDE2JpvZC6
586Please respect copyright.PENANAwPKgPE1vMl
Bette just stood there, watching aimlessly. It had been forever and a day since she sat down to properly eat. Most of the meals served in the army commissary were timed and soldiers barely socialized nor did they make eye contact with each other. If they did, it was for a very good reason.586Please respect copyright.PENANALZAcO308up
586Please respect copyright.PENANAw46TCguFbj
Caitlin moved abruptly and Bette woke out of her trance as the doctor placed clear, plastic gloves on the table. She looked at Bette.586Please respect copyright.PENANAPSC5B0aGsp
586Please respect copyright.PENANALABPt4dGz4
"You can sit down, you don't need to wait, its OK." Caitlin said, looking at Bette with warm eyes.586Please respect copyright.PENANAu3IshzKleq
586Please respect copyright.PENANABwWBLFEptc
Bette calmly and carefully took a seat across from Caitlin's and patiently watched as she had sat down too.586Please respect copyright.PENANAoVs5mBRsVf
586Please respect copyright.PENANAj13QNxlCKx
The two girls sat in silence for a few moments. The room was almost desolate. It looked like the lunch room of a cubicle office but with more stationed advanced cookery.586Please respect copyright.PENANAWpGJOKuHdQ
586Please respect copyright.PENANAZpkegp92bC
Caitlin handed Bette a warm wrapper on a paper plate and placed a couple napkins next to her. Near it were a couple of juice cartons.586Please respect copyright.PENANA25KukJerHc
586Please respect copyright.PENANAzWdmikQCsY
"It's a breakfast bagel and some OJ. Cisco and I eat this all the time when we're on the go. You can start if you want." Caitlin slightly urged, pushing the plastic gloves more in front of her.586Please respect copyright.PENANAdlqu4xsfjj
586Please respect copyright.PENANAPjPta1vZsa
"Thank you. I...I'm sorry if I'm...quiet."586Please respect copyright.PENANAezEMp5HL5b
586Please respect copyright.PENANAikosjqiaKw
Caitlin smiled and drank a long sip from her cup. "It's alright. I would prefer a little silence in this place anyway. It's gotten more chaotic than I can keep up with sometimes. Assisting Barry fight crime isn't exactly a trip to the library. I'm always on call."586Please respect copyright.PENANAtOFwynLcmG
586Please respect copyright.PENANA97zZOU0qIM
Things were quiet for a few seconds until Bette remembered more bits from yesterday.586Please respect copyright.PENANAGeB2ZLLPef
586Please respect copyright.PENANAWCIE6XEMKA
"Thank you, for what you, Cisco and Barry did for me yesterday. I don't think my body could have survived those treatments if you didn't do what you did." She said sincerely.586Please respect copyright.PENANAqIyuYxAwqK
586Please respect copyright.PENANARl10w9vsDI
Caitlin gingerly offered a comforting smile. "We couldn't do that to you. I just knew there was another way to help you. You're welcome."586Please respect copyright.PENANAyCjBWPa40n
586Please respect copyright.PENANAoGyQbu5e0N
Bette looked down at her lap, her bare hands were shaking and she decided to slip on the plastic gloves.586Please respect copyright.PENANA2Cg24kHoSk
586Please respect copyright.PENANAUj6aw3MMaI
She wanted to know something but it was hard for her to come out with it. "Barry uses his abilities to, um, help others?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAibNqZNWgIx
586Please respect copyright.PENANAUL7M79Xtcx
Caitlin bit from her bagel and wiped her hands on the napkin. "He's supposed to. Least that's what he wants to do with them. We're helping him realize that."586Please respect copyright.PENANAgBpMxDRglg
586Please respect copyright.PENANAb9KBlERh0Q
Bette took in what she said. "He must be really special then. I'm starting to get used to the idea that there is someone else out there like me."586Please respect copyright.PENANApW4Vk3FEfl
586Please respect copyright.PENANAAt56K9VJsa
The doctor chewed a couple bites before replying.586Please respect copyright.PENANAbeRDiGkVwm
586Please respect copyright.PENANAkHdKHPquk9
"There are many." Caitlin said, finishing the last bit of her bagel.586Please respect copyright.PENANA5dNPHu73RG
586Please respect copyright.PENANAwE3fdXuemo
"Many?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAYdNKjeATvK
586Please respect copyright.PENANAtakPWMYfel
"Meta-humans, like you, and like Barry. We just haven't discovered them yet."586Please respect copyright.PENANAXCaXK59H5p
586Please respect copyright.PENANAwTj9e7UXff
“I didn’t think there were more. I thought I was alone.”586Please respect copyright.PENANAhhI52CHTIQ
586Please respect copyright.PENANAJxafyoYt3K
Caitlin was about to answer but stopped when she looked at Bette not touching her food.586Please respect copyright.PENANAEI9uJzEcbp
586Please respect copyright.PENANAaGuzZHs2b9
"Were you hungry or...?"586Please respect copyright.PENANASK6Ftrt1Nq
586Please respect copyright.PENANAuaI3KDA1ne
Bette's body held still, she realized she'd not properly eaten for days and her stomach began rumbling.586Please respect copyright.PENANAFgrOKYpICS
586Please respect copyright.PENANAOttObiH2a4
"Sorry…I guess I could eat something."586Please respect copyright.PENANAKcFzkMXFfp
586Please respect copyright.PENANAtf3Flk79Q0
Bette started nibbling on her food while Caitlin looked on.586Please respect copyright.PENANAVtSxiXOeRq
586Please respect copyright.PENANAPcFajNPQ4V
"You know, you and I have some things in common."586Please respect copyright.PENANACj5ajGejvy
586Please respect copyright.PENANAe110bDUSZw
Bette put down the bagel to pick up her drink and looked at Caitlin.586Please respect copyright.PENANAokFqcHutnS
586Please respect copyright.PENANAmerGlReFtn
"I'm serious. I know it's probably uncomfortable living now the way you do. You've been through a lot of things that you can't relive again. The pain? Your pain, I know what it feels like."586Please respect copyright.PENANAA3NySzAQbw
586Please respect copyright.PENANAZXf6g6bZpu
Bette was silent as she took a huge bite from her food and nearly choke on what she bit.586Please respect copyright.PENANANsAYmBRf7L
586Please respect copyright.PENANAk1u64p6Wea
What Caitlin was saying rang true, only one thing didn't make sense.586Please respect copyright.PENANACyQcsf9A2r
586Please respect copyright.PENANAoHajUeQnSX
"What makes you think you and I have been through the exact same things?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAWTtnatpDNT
586Please respect copyright.PENANAdXYS491Bpc
Caitlin stood up to throw away her trash and sat back down, looking at Bette calmly. "I know what it's like to feel helpless in a situation. Knowing I could have done more."586Please respect copyright.PENANA5zMKSDFi9X
586Please respect copyright.PENANAYVmMEaPxvp
Bette swallowed hard as she drank some juice to coat the dryness in her throat. "Maybe, maybe that's true."586Please respect copyright.PENANAB2CxaKsGqk
586Please respect copyright.PENANA17EqZcQwKG
The soldier finished her breakfast and they washed their hands before returning back to the main foyer. Bette had flashed back to last night as she remembered how Barry was with her. She couldn't believe someone stayed with her all night until she slept. It seemed unreal and almost out of character for someone to be so selfless. She hadn’t known that side of a human for a long time.586Please respect copyright.PENANA4e5ABQQEQ3
586Please respect copyright.PENANAfr39feaD7c
"Hmm, well I guess he's not here. Dr. Wells will be coming in soon. Cisco is always kind of late anyway. And Barry..." Caitlin trailed off looking at some paperwork on her desk.586Please respect copyright.PENANArpvDUybt1V
586Please respect copyright.PENANA9ECdiPBnEx
"Where is Barry?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAQ75udPeuD9
586Please respect copyright.PENANAiJ2b1PcUmc
Caitlin almost thought of making something up on the spot but Bette was already told Barry exercised his abilities to help people.586Please respect copyright.PENANA1FuH0byNgY
586Please respect copyright.PENANAn1T7mTtf1y
"Risking his life to save everyone. If you ask me he's in way over his head. He is a forensic scientist and an intelligent man. I’ve been around those guys and I know how they operate. He should not be eager to jump into Central City's chaos so abruptly, especially without evaluating the situation. Strategy and then execution, you know? Of course he doesn't have a habit of listening to me, or anyone for that matter. I can’t decide if he's being brave or reckless."586Please respect copyright.PENANAqSSi6OersV
586Please respect copyright.PENANAxojtbueOg0
Bette listened as she flashed back to the moment Barry told her he was using his gifts to help others. She watched as he almost sullenly expressed his need to use everything he had in his power to help, not questioning how dangerous it can be for him in the long run.586Please respect copyright.PENANAyy52h0PGah
586Please respect copyright.PENANA76yhfXLvKh
"Barry is stubborn then. I guess I can relate to that. My foster parents didn't want me volunteering for Iraq. I only wanted to make a difference and mean more than I was to people, which wasn't a lot anyway..." Bette said, looking as Caitlin sat down and began typing something into her computer.586Please respect copyright.PENANAN0aNC8U6Jr
586Please respect copyright.PENANA1PmF3SD0z2
She sighed and flicked her eyes between Bette and the computer screen. "Barry reminds me of how Ronnie was...he, well they are really similar. Ronnie was my fiancé 10 months ago. We were going to start our lives together and then when the particle accelerator malfunctioned, exploded, Ronnie thought he could fix it and he..."586Please respect copyright.PENANAx27iMSCt1F
586Please respect copyright.PENANAFRZwP7peor
Bette's brows slightly tensed; Caitlin suddenly looked vulnerable, almost like Bette had right before she broke down yesterday.586Please respect copyright.PENANAPcjoVTCE3Q
586Please respect copyright.PENANAxlM5EgvFfS
"He saved us all." Caitlin concluded and began typing furiously while placing self-restraint on her emotions.586Please respect copyright.PENANAD8XyewVfrg
586Please respect copyright.PENANAxVRxvjd4t7
The corner of Bette's lips curved, "Back where I come from, he would have been honored. Soldiers in combat sacrifice their lives for the greater good, it's the bravest honor I've seen any of my comrades do. They are all heroes."586Please respect copyright.PENANA6h4o3uVL3a
586Please respect copyright.PENANAIojWCJcS65
Caitlin swallowed, hearing this a second time was getting easier, she had to stop fighting herself when it came to Ronnie. It was in the past; it was time to move on.586Please respect copyright.PENANAWONwNxtKMp
586Please respect copyright.PENANA9O3GzYb5wg
"Barry said the same thing. You and he are quite similar." Caitlin said, typing one last key, sitting back in her chair looking at Bette fidgeting.586Please respect copyright.PENANA2tfoNy1J9J
586Please respect copyright.PENANABcY7Px31El
Bette caught herself and stopped as she took the seat next to a desk to what looked like a bunch of venting machine snacks surrounding a computer screen.586Please respect copyright.PENANACOUQe3T49Z
586Please respect copyright.PENANA1ffV3xGofu
"We're forced to be brave and not show emotions in the heat of the battle. I've gotten so used to being this way I don't know any other way to be. Barry, he's, he saved me, but I saw something in his eyes, when he looked at me for a moment. It wasn't a look I'd seen my comrades gave me when we save lives. Barry has compassion, his eyes have so much emotion, and he uses that when he fights. I use my anger and the last time I did I failed."586Please respect copyright.PENANAVFQ2QR0Y3v
586Please respect copyright.PENANA0Y25Tvo5V7
Caitlin and Bette shared a strong look.586Please respect copyright.PENANAHIlhJIMRwg
586Please respect copyright.PENANAVFPPFJ4pLW
"So I guess maybe, we aren't that similar."586Please respect copyright.PENANA4O9fcJZdcI
586Please respect copyright.PENANAxhARC069Xj
"Somehow I doubt that. Only you know what it feels like to be a meta-human. If only there was a way for you to understand it better."586Please respect copyright.PENANAsxpkQtnwJz
586Please respect copyright.PENANAQYg6ejIc7y
Bette was unsure. "You diagnosed the issue. Apparently I'm stuck with it forever. There's no way to fix it unless I had control over this. But I don't."586Please respect copyright.PENANA3krahbRxnH
586Please respect copyright.PENANA7luMJF0lEi
There was an uncomfortable silence that smothered the room. Neither Caitlin nor Bette were sure what to say and even if they did it'd be negated by the simple fact that it was going to take a miracle to solve this.586Please respect copyright.PENANARPlttKTdYl
586Please respect copyright.PENANAADO3epoIe8
"Wait!" Caitlin exclaimed, startling Bette.586Please respect copyright.PENANAa3W29cKJhV
586Please respect copyright.PENANAV9XLqKTerO
"Sorry, I mean, what did you say before about controlling your powers?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAtzrSHVTAI7
586Please respect copyright.PENANAzYvkdKWFsX
Bette reiterated. "That I couldn't. There was no way I could. My PTSD makes it difficult to control anything." She added while Caitlin's face almost lit up.586Please respect copyright.PENANAOf3b6m3kFq
586Please respect copyright.PENANAjC7Z8y5b9U
"So this is a psychological prognosis, of course. Hold on." She grabbed her phone and sent out a quick message on it then turned back to Bette.586Please respect copyright.PENANAMDbCe3Vfvg
586Please respect copyright.PENANATtjeFwudYy
"PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder is a brain infraction...the personal affects stem only inside of the brain and can't be removed by sheer will. They have to actually be--I got it!" Caitlin nearly yelled and Bette was left scratching her head.586Please respect copyright.PENANATrMGrDAW0I
586Please respect copyright.PENANAaIw05F8n1w
Caitlin's cell phone rang before Bette could ask any questions. "Yes, get down here immediately, I have something that may actually be plausible to Bette's issue."586Please respect copyright.PENANAWFe6dsnr0I
586Please respect copyright.PENANAeuwx2SDRP9
Bette cleared her throat when she noticed Caitlin looked to be in another realm. "I don't understand, what's going on?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAEfK9XHaHXA
586Please respect copyright.PENANAYuGYMLqk68
The doors to the headquarters' entrance opened suddenly and in rolled Dr. Harrison Wells with Cisco following behind him. Barry was nowhere in sight again.586Please respect copyright.PENANAoDLKFzxIcf
586Please respect copyright.PENANAr2wqE9e1J1
Bette almost wanted to escape for the second time, Dr. Wells was an ominous man and she didn't like it. Usually eerie individuals weren't to be trusted and in most cases were eliminated to protect the public from further destruction. Army mentality was still strong inside of her. Wells was holding her gaze but shifted his expression into a more professional welcome.586Please respect copyright.PENANA64bSpnZmYu
586Please respect copyright.PENANA6E0zfMRJri
"Ms. Souci, pleasure to see you again." Dr. Wells said, looking at her just like he had when he told her to put a bullet in Eiling's brain.586Please respect copyright.PENANAXJkVvxvl1r
586Please respect copyright.PENANA5TRWdN8gN4
This can't be the same guy who now wanted her best interest at heart.586Please respect copyright.PENANARsf83OjUYO
586Please respect copyright.PENANADarmy3Nk02
His eyes went sharply from Bette's over to Caitlin frantically writing something down, "Caitlin, give me what you have and let all of us review it before acting."586Please respect copyright.PENANA1Qr7OFPat0
586Please respect copyright.PENANA1CA7dmZF6e
Cisco hopped over his desk and grabbed something wrapped off from it. "Uh, I don't mean to be a jerk but guys, isn't Barry part of this decision too? Like, shouldn't we wait for the dude?"586Please respect copyright.PENANA8pYlaPEal9
586Please respect copyright.PENANAOrVuKexzpO
Bette shared a soft look with Cisco; clearly he remembered Barry cared more about Bette than anyone else she knew in this room. The thought alone made her feel uncomfortable. She didn’t know if it was because Dr. Wells seemed to be ignoring Cisco or the fact that Barry cared as much as he did.586Please respect copyright.PENANAyRQATsZM67
586Please respect copyright.PENANAb3eSuRzjqK
"Guys? What's going on? Is it Bette? Give me an update? Is she OK?" Barry yelled through the system. "Guys, answer me!"586Please respect copyright.PENANA3ksgypEGFN
586Please respect copyright.PENANAQk3nOq56B5
Bette almost rushed over but Caitlin pushed the button before she could move an inch.586Please respect copyright.PENANAgfeWaqfXcY
586Please respect copyright.PENANARmS4PZXT3p
Barry groaned on the other end and they suddenly got cut through the transmission.586Please respect copyright.PENANA6BZqHg7kAs
586Please respect copyright.PENANAEvj0T6oL8u
Caitlin's wide eyes glared, she worried for the worst. "Oh god, Barry, what is going on?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAlFBT6UgJfI
586Please respect copyright.PENANA1FxX1zVcaB
She fiddled with the controls, pushing reset again. "Cisco, reboot, Barry lost us."586Please respect copyright.PENANAXT8awAz5DL
586Please respect copyright.PENANAwRyvG2zgJH
Cisco followed instructions swiftly while Dr. Wells looked from the corner of his eye to Bette.586Please respect copyright.PENANAUTFRDr268j
586Please respect copyright.PENANA8TSHzFwi0S
Bette was uncomfortable, she didn't like the way Dr. Wells periodically looked at her as if something was her fault. In this case, how could it be? She didn't blow anything up with her abilities. This one wasn't on her. Why was he still looking at her like it was?586Please respect copyright.PENANA1nsZOUcbRV
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She wanted to help Caitlin and Cisco but she kept behind the controls, pacing nervously until something sounded right on the feedback end.586Please respect copyright.PENANA3pMFMiw9Lj
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Suddenly, all the papers in the room flew up and a coughing Barry was lying in the center of the room, trying to stand up.586Please respect copyright.PENANAT9GhAb2UQm
586Please respect copyright.PENANA2mRb205l1X
Barry picked up his head, attempting to regain his senses again. His face was bruised and his lip had a cut on the corner of it. His eyes focused around the room, trying to find Bette. She was ok, he collapsed as Caitlin and Cisco came to his aid.586Please respect copyright.PENANAfUFKFZCUVr
586Please respect copyright.PENANAjp2aCXUYUy
Bette almost rushed to help them but held back when she felt her hands heat up. It was a sign she could render anything explosive. Bette turned around and ran back to the room she slept in, shutting the door.586Please respect copyright.PENANAYwPdumxVKR
586Please respect copyright.PENANATkvnOf7i1V
She was useless and every bit of her felt that way. How was she going to survive anything when she couldn't control her powers? Barry made a mistake in saving her.586Please respect copyright.PENANAPP0fOMRKQa
586Please respect copyright.PENANAcTKe9qJMxR
There was a knock on the door and before she could open it the door swung open slowly.586Please respect copyright.PENANAABHv7RqHaO
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"Bette, what are you doing in here?" Cisco said, opening the door all the way. "We need you."586Please respect copyright.PENANAr2ZYkaKz6O
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“Is Barry OK?” She asked, her voice shaking.586Please respect copyright.PENANA31o6JuoBrH
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“He is, Caitlin is with him and Dr. Wells is standing by. Are you alright?” Cisco asked; his concern for her imminent. 586Please respect copyright.PENANAvnmNuAb4Ks
586Please respect copyright.PENANAqOF1wxsF8k
“He can heal fast. It’s part of who he is.” Caitlin said from a distance.586Please respect copyright.PENANAsxC7GcFEiZ
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Bette took a deep breath and stood up upon hearing this. She had to see for herself.586Please respect copyright.PENANAIhww27FyaX
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Bette followed Cisco back into the room as Caitlin began cleaning off Barry's cuts and scrapes. She didn't notice Bette come in and came out of it when Cisco cleared his throat. Bette felt her gloved hands, looking at Caitlin applying the alcohol to Barry's face, helping him onto the medical bed. He looked like he’d been through a brutal school yard fight. Bette hoped he didn’t suffer emotional trauma despite his fast healing.586Please respect copyright.PENANAfgavbUBy3h
586Please respect copyright.PENANA5vNZClFBDH
Bette felt eyes on her and reluctantly looked to Harrison Wells staring her way as if he was trying to figure her out. She felt like a lab rat, she didn't see how these people could help her. She could have just killed Eiling and left for good. Would it have been that easy?586Please respect copyright.PENANAJG4Y3ZY8pM
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“Ms. Souci, Caitlin brought into the picture something that may be the cure to what you’re seeking.”586Please respect copyright.PENANAyghNa3jVk1
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She nodded emotionless. “She said that before. Does she know what you told me to do?”586Please respect copyright.PENANAWjk6NvjzlR
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Dr. Wells’ jaw clenched, it seemed like the soldier he was sure he knew well had a conscious. Barry could have something to do with this sudden change in character. But it was no matter to the doctor. He wasn’t guilty of anything reprimanding. He was going to let her believe whatever she wanted to believe.586Please respect copyright.PENANAREy7cI2YCi
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“I only showed you the door Bette. I did not make you walk through it.”586Please respect copyright.PENANAoced9WCLr0
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“Barry said I am better than that.” Bette said, her confidence growing with each second. “I’m starting to believe him. I am not a killer Dr. Wells and you aren’t going to turn me into one. I’m smarter than I was in combat. Barry believes in me.”586Please respect copyright.PENANAOPVuNdMgHV
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Dr. Wells wasn't phased. "It would appear he is of an influence to you." 586Please respect copyright.PENANACUtpErJCl3
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Bette's eyes glowed a strong purple, she looked at Wells slowly drinking his cup and watched it explode out of his hand upon his second drink.586Please respect copyright.PENANAR976ArfmNS
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"What the hell happened?" Cisco asked as he scrambled to put out the small blast of fire.586Please respect copyright.PENANAwZ4Pc2VRCb
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Cisco's face softened when he looked at Bette.586Please respect copyright.PENANADpIuRc9L0J
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"I'm sorry. What can I say...." Bette started to say, "it was out of my control."586Please respect copyright.PENANAVuJn7QogQ3
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Dr. Wells titled his head back knowing full well she was lying. "Accidents happen." His piercing blue eyes pinned her down, almost challenging her to say what she said again about his subtle threats. "Right, Ms. Souci?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAyfnccCbOJN
586Please respect copyright.PENANAcZUzh1EArw
Bette felt everyone's eyes on her as she shook inside her body. Barry looked at her with suspicion. He wondered what was going on between Bette and Dr. Wells when Caitlin finished patching up his bruises with the remainder of gauze she held.586Please respect copyright.PENANAszgTWFfznm
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"Bette?" Barry asked, trying to get up to her but Caitlin's arm calmly held him in place as she tended to his wounds.586Please respect copyright.PENANAw14VH8cG4T
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"Why..." She said, pausing to look at Wells' face. "Why am I here?"586Please respect copyright.PENANA2LhzZ9AnpJ
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Wells turned his eyes on Caitlin, then almost sarcastically back on Bette. "Caitlin, what did you configure on Ms. Souci?"586Please respect copyright.PENANA2xQDfxrYvZ
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Barry sharply looked at Caitlin, while keeping his attention on Bette. "Guys, what's going on?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAydI3dLkRPs
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Caitlin came around the desk, she wanted Bette to be calm when she told her what she was about to tell her.586Please respect copyright.PENANAIzs4NQhuFN
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"Bette, do you trust us?"586Please respect copyright.PENANAwmf6uYhvdO
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Bette notice Barry looking at her, his eyes nearly piercing her but softening when they became more understanding than judgmental.586Please respect copyright.PENANA46girUeo6v
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"Yes, I do." She said blankly.586Please respect copyright.PENANACorr2bkBGb
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Caitlin cleared her throat, now or never, "Your problem is interior, it requires...an internal solution. The only one that has a chance to work."586Please respect copyright.PENANARBDBba0uIF
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Bette forced herself to calm down and took a deep breath. "What does that mean?"586Please respect copyright.PENANADGEbyzQnCV
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"Doing something dangerous. It's risky; there are ramifications." Caitlin said, while pulling the status document from her desk and handing it to Bette.586Please respect copyright.PENANA7qJlTBBhte
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Bette took several seconds before she rose her head, before she could cry the paper burst into flames as it dropped to the ground.586Please respect copyright.PENANAo8fcE9KWlL