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Bette woke up slowly, shivering in a back bedroom. Her eyelashes batted a few times before her eyes came to focus.570Please respect copyright.PENANAu06ZwDQxoG
570Please respect copyright.PENANAcCTXdwN8N8
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAFSMajCt01v
570Please respect copyright.PENANAIS70Bhspv2
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAFx44zld3xZ
570Please respect copyright.PENANARdbXCkjXWm
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANATQL1yPrqXq
570Please respect copyright.PENANAEJwevi9BVz
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAzKnB3IY5Ry
570Please respect copyright.PENANAWEPlhpathU
Bette sighed in relief as Caitlin Snow, dressed in her usual form-fitting attire peeked inside the room as if she were checking something.570Please respect copyright.PENANA5LWX5ohpWT
570Please respect copyright.PENANArI0AV5qdq6
"Good morning, how are you feeling Bette?" Caitlin asked her, moving further inside the room so Bette could make out her figure.570Please respect copyright.PENANApzsXrvuSNo
570Please respect copyright.PENANA59SsyBhyjk
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAKyBCutNzXi
570Please respect copyright.PENANADFCtBFu6lt
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?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAJRkQKjrdbq
570Please respect copyright.PENANAZpskmNCkOP
Caitlin firmly invited herself inside, shut the door behind and sat on the chair near the bed.570Please respect copyright.PENANAmi2H9M8DYa
570Please respect copyright.PENANAQyOv2ZNTbL
"For now it's just you and me. Do you want some breakfast?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAmgezxxrKRQ
570Please respect copyright.PENANAnkUZi5UQ2f
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAKaNh5mAPG8
570Please respect copyright.PENANAgJnT0QIBz7
"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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAeM3ULOZyT3
570Please respect copyright.PENANA3xh9cQghwS
Caitlin observed her reactions and twitched her mouth.570Please respect copyright.PENANAaxrnl1kHi7
570Please respect copyright.PENANAr6uUYIddRI
"Did you sleep well?" Caitlin asked.570Please respect copyright.PENANAQ3c7V8S70l
570Please respect copyright.PENANAvnlBpS5xF0
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAz1UP7fhcfC
570Please respect copyright.PENANA1jlKqquKP2
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANABhQ8EXvvvk
570Please respect copyright.PENANA25BeTjfli9
"I'm sorry."570Please respect copyright.PENANAFS6t52q52k
570Please respect copyright.PENANAFzC9A3NOKh
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAfmQ5F3GzlO
570Please respect copyright.PENANAerfsjzxNST
Caitlin made a mental note; maybe Barry had something to do with that. "I suppose then it was good to have Barry around."570Please respect copyright.PENANAabe2q0AWv8
570Please respect copyright.PENANAeJwI6k7VH3
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAd9Km8KdNAY
570Please respect copyright.PENANAwdrIaG3Wyu
She composed herself and pushed her strawberry blonde hair out of her eyes, clearing her throat of residual emotion. "Umm, you mentioned breakfast?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAcXdAbK8hL1
570Please respect copyright.PENANACTqDeaXf0V
"Follow me." Caitlin replied, leading the way out of the room toward another room that looked as if it was barely used.570Please respect copyright.PENANAWsuGoRmQIM
570Please respect copyright.PENANAi9K13RDaRL
Caitlin walked to the counter, grabbed a couple of paper bags and placed them on the table in the center.570Please respect copyright.PENANADGNtim2CpA
570Please respect copyright.PENANAcrkOOgswx2
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANADsXevog6Ta
570Please respect copyright.PENANAYl80TfNN7d
Caitlin moved abruptly and Bette woke out of her trance as the doctor placed clear, plastic gloves on the table. She looked at Bette.570Please respect copyright.PENANAOuPoflUcGg
570Please respect copyright.PENANAJ2l4hlB6lM
"You can sit down, you don't need to wait, its OK." Caitlin said, looking at Bette with warm eyes.570Please respect copyright.PENANAGzwNAirjK1
570Please respect copyright.PENANAemuDHQqxFy
Bette calmly and carefully took a seat across from Caitlin's and patiently watched as she had sat down too.570Please respect copyright.PENANAmLBQZU2vNs
570Please respect copyright.PENANAAtbihvcZH5
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANACDxonwPDrY
570Please respect copyright.PENANAkKtNwnbfSh
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAApOpTRkAOP
570Please respect copyright.PENANAwgtzVXgfx9
"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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAbiQqqhbBeQ
570Please respect copyright.PENANA0MRmgxotMV
"Thank you. I...I'm sorry if I'm...quiet."570Please respect copyright.PENANARGRYRpm4VQ
570Please respect copyright.PENANALwnsgD0a1F
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAr9Cs8tSdMM
570Please respect copyright.PENANA1iPYJh7b9r
Things were quiet for a few seconds until Bette remembered more bits from yesterday.570Please respect copyright.PENANAK2S56vZ4SA
570Please respect copyright.PENANAdZZVVy7PiI
"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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAp7Lac46VlO
570Please respect copyright.PENANARMnDadVVYH
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAzGonAyPEnB
570Please respect copyright.PENANAKd2zPw8yJ3
Bette looked down at her lap, her bare hands were shaking and she decided to slip on the plastic gloves.570Please respect copyright.PENANAEYjP0AZgkn
570Please respect copyright.PENANACqKaTLJD1Q
She wanted to know something but it was hard for her to come out with it. "Barry uses his abilities to, um, help others?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAbNoy7Yf1zO
570Please respect copyright.PENANAabMfWhQ57d
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAsiFHapDHbu
570Please respect copyright.PENANAKEpEWqOMCJ
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANANSLI5jemNY
570Please respect copyright.PENANAc9js1Wy7ma
The doctor chewed a couple bites before replying.570Please respect copyright.PENANAaGlm2g4NeV
570Please respect copyright.PENANAbWx2cmMzTZ
"There are many." Caitlin said, finishing the last bit of her bagel.570Please respect copyright.PENANAdBEEcOQpIi
570Please respect copyright.PENANAAuUO3qpAX1
"Many?"570Please respect copyright.PENANA2BG0Zdtdoo
570Please respect copyright.PENANA7OKr6wwHZJ
"Meta-humans, like you, and like Barry. We just haven't discovered them yet."570Please respect copyright.PENANAktPSkXWIHR
570Please respect copyright.PENANAQealNZnejP
“I didn’t think there were more. I thought I was alone.”570Please respect copyright.PENANAPCwBYq55C5
570Please respect copyright.PENANAmTj3836W2f
Caitlin was about to answer but stopped when she looked at Bette not touching her food.570Please respect copyright.PENANAPzDYHrIEnf
570Please respect copyright.PENANAfJ8tRU3aaz
"Were you hungry or...?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAMqXdMkaxnS
570Please respect copyright.PENANAEJZcqir0YZ
Bette's body held still, she realized she'd not properly eaten for days and her stomach began rumbling.570Please respect copyright.PENANA9HEuTUciPx
570Please respect copyright.PENANAmoRj0PypNT
"Sorry…I guess I could eat something."570Please respect copyright.PENANASe8qv2c5F8
570Please respect copyright.PENANAQgYtlVwsWR
Bette started nibbling on her food while Caitlin looked on.570Please respect copyright.PENANA1h9BrtCezB
570Please respect copyright.PENANAzLmmPAHYxV
"You know, you and I have some things in common."570Please respect copyright.PENANAQGaZnXBmOs
570Please respect copyright.PENANA0b3jPMVcnW
Bette put down the bagel to pick up her drink and looked at Caitlin.570Please respect copyright.PENANAcKOIpg87nO
570Please respect copyright.PENANA0CtLVVMepa
"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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAp0MzUXjxAA
570Please respect copyright.PENANAQdPARj2JM8
Bette was silent as she took a huge bite from her food and nearly choke on what she bit.570Please respect copyright.PENANAYVwkbdbo8V
570Please respect copyright.PENANAVY0adD5LH5
What Caitlin was saying rang true, only one thing didn't make sense.570Please respect copyright.PENANA94X6VYfc2u
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"What makes you think you and I have been through the exact same things?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAsBfVBsuHwM
570Please respect copyright.PENANAAyM70qmcth
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAGxPvqXijIH
570Please respect copyright.PENANAazE6I1zMl3
Bette swallowed hard as she drank some juice to coat the dryness in her throat. "Maybe, maybe that's true."570Please respect copyright.PENANADtpI5we0xn
570Please respect copyright.PENANAbDx6MpztW6
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAntFcrg2zVJ
570Please respect copyright.PENANABHczKoo8Ag
"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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAyz0ZmhGZXg
570Please respect copyright.PENANARuMEXvBKVm
"Where is Barry?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAj0QCU2wzoP
570Please respect copyright.PENANANzvPWMASLV
Caitlin almost thought of making something up on the spot but Bette was already told Barry exercised his abilities to help people.570Please respect copyright.PENANA8de9VRwS1s
570Please respect copyright.PENANAfCufllUUdk
"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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAFU9FgO7JZr
570Please respect copyright.PENANAa3uXeEj8FB
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAhrtRqbznK1
570Please respect copyright.PENANA0BiwsBEObs
"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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAAMaLoXWMsB
570Please respect copyright.PENANAhEXCV7nB9h
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..."570Please respect copyright.PENANAVGCk6vx6lm
570Please respect copyright.PENANA4ulCKGhc6Z
Bette's brows slightly tensed; Caitlin suddenly looked vulnerable, almost like Bette had right before she broke down yesterday.570Please respect copyright.PENANAIiHSzxYJMm
570Please respect copyright.PENANA7Cl19EzGR2
"He saved us all." Caitlin concluded and began typing furiously while placing self-restraint on her emotions.570Please respect copyright.PENANACrP6Vp7IjK
570Please respect copyright.PENANATfdZse3FfN
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAfmmEy9buoM
570Please respect copyright.PENANA7rvgmTw2Jw
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAPiwSr26G6U
570Please respect copyright.PENANAKE4HT2beQX
"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.570Please respect copyright.PENANARFr9OBdL24
570Please respect copyright.PENANAx77zBaQn6e
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAvRjFATBQWH
570Please respect copyright.PENANAQwooXWqnhp
"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."570Please respect copyright.PENANANjGG5cCupQ
570Please respect copyright.PENANAEvSHpnJzGL
Caitlin and Bette shared a strong look.570Please respect copyright.PENANAA1Zn9lsrUU
570Please respect copyright.PENANAXdYdNh8opz
"So I guess maybe, we aren't that similar."570Please respect copyright.PENANAXaLHV2i8qm
570Please respect copyright.PENANASRWiUfmcFc
"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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAJtjb4cVZQJ
570Please respect copyright.PENANAmczNfKXQsM
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAKWynh4zkIP
570Please respect copyright.PENANA891nazLlll
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAMvsLHmqIjA
570Please respect copyright.PENANA57pd4d5jBW
"Wait!" Caitlin exclaimed, startling Bette.570Please respect copyright.PENANAUgtV01lciP
570Please respect copyright.PENANANw60HfsGT5
"Sorry, I mean, what did you say before about controlling your powers?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAkmSeeA5E11
570Please respect copyright.PENANA4Tm3ViMMim
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAQPoVnO4eQu
570Please respect copyright.PENANAoUzBG5vFi8
"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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAiUQwZCerLU
570Please respect copyright.PENANA0fi4mvqU3Y
"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.570Please respect copyright.PENANA6qdcOBPzmt
570Please respect copyright.PENANAswjbw9zWfd
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAApKN2kBpus
570Please respect copyright.PENANAROr2RruDsi
Bette cleared her throat when she noticed Caitlin looked to be in another realm. "I don't understand, what's going on?"570Please respect copyright.PENANA5ipgXzmEcT
570Please respect copyright.PENANAT9H2WFNhL3
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAVLGeduTyBq
570Please respect copyright.PENANA8gKAxv17EO
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANA2DlImPyfnW
570Please respect copyright.PENANALaiwRuzs2j
"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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAqbeQ0vQvzJ
570Please respect copyright.PENANATKKKXk9IRL
This can't be the same guy who now wanted her best interest at heart.570Please respect copyright.PENANA64EQrko8Mw
570Please respect copyright.PENANAKZDHxE7ZCQ
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAFRZGznZYiD
570Please respect copyright.PENANArThqH8nyVP
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?"570Please respect copyright.PENANArBoTPXigsF
570Please respect copyright.PENANAiyMPSv5IDW
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAgeHqOz2KDh
570Please respect copyright.PENANAy2w00IVlZ1
"Guys? What's going on? Is it Bette? Give me an update? Is she OK?" Barry yelled through the system. "Guys, answer me!"570Please respect copyright.PENANAL5EUn1QZeF
570Please respect copyright.PENANAG0AVsVBEbd
Bette almost rushed over but Caitlin pushed the button before she could move an inch.570Please respect copyright.PENANAv7GqVn7kBV
570Please respect copyright.PENANAORSMsQ6DIQ
Barry groaned on the other end and they suddenly got cut through the transmission.570Please respect copyright.PENANAOjFoSEyzz6
570Please respect copyright.PENANAoCFzMNkN8N
Caitlin's wide eyes glared, she worried for the worst. "Oh god, Barry, what is going on?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAiVzsL3hg12
570Please respect copyright.PENANAyXAn6Pbm5e
She fiddled with the controls, pushing reset again. "Cisco, reboot, Barry lost us."570Please respect copyright.PENANABVUOZSZ1Vs
570Please respect copyright.PENANA3fIudBrczj
Cisco followed instructions swiftly while Dr. Wells looked from the corner of his eye to Bette.570Please respect copyright.PENANAeaQt4tluTk
570Please respect copyright.PENANA9LaJvxHZWK
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?570Please respect copyright.PENANAb6oOaeGYQZ
570Please respect copyright.PENANAk1TeX6ixDH
She wanted to help Caitlin and Cisco but she kept behind the controls, pacing nervously until something sounded right on the feedback end.570Please respect copyright.PENANAhyJNVq6jAr
570Please respect copyright.PENANAl6bkeueEeH
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAIRVIRNQrjb
570Please respect copyright.PENANAS5cR8f5dwn
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAmmWOarVMCn
570Please respect copyright.PENANA1MXINqBukW
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAdVZxPRzmS3
570Please respect copyright.PENANACv9JtkwUED
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAni2MvmVYXU
570Please respect copyright.PENANAorSr7G2eGp
There was a knock on the door and before she could open it the door swung open slowly.570Please respect copyright.PENANAuhs29UeUNM
570Please respect copyright.PENANAPCWuLmrcia
"Bette, what are you doing in here?" Cisco said, opening the door all the way. "We need you."570Please respect copyright.PENANAdNyycnINn1
570Please respect copyright.PENANAppbzjveqAa
“Is Barry OK?” She asked, her voice shaking.570Please respect copyright.PENANAuiiyeHaWXm
570Please respect copyright.PENANAbbICWYCdi9
“He is, Caitlin is with him and Dr. Wells is standing by. Are you alright?” Cisco asked; his concern for her imminent. 570Please respect copyright.PENANAdIiBkMLKz7
570Please respect copyright.PENANAqq2OHVZqj0
“He can heal fast. It’s part of who he is.” Caitlin said from a distance.570Please respect copyright.PENANADnQV5D6s07
570Please respect copyright.PENANAVg24Cigh4I
Bette took a deep breath and stood up upon hearing this. She had to see for herself.570Please respect copyright.PENANAaXFJS7GGxe
570Please respect copyright.PENANAW9wjSoa2vY
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAuZWXuUudaK
570Please respect copyright.PENANAGdRep77B8u
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?570Please respect copyright.PENANAkrbYPuKF7d
570Please respect copyright.PENANA6NSXnzMbwO
“Ms. Souci, Caitlin brought into the picture something that may be the cure to what you’re seeking.”570Please respect copyright.PENANAJI4nnwxekA
570Please respect copyright.PENANAoC2s6mGnZp
She nodded emotionless. “She said that before. Does she know what you told me to do?”570Please respect copyright.PENANAz4DCRMDluS
570Please respect copyright.PENANAeem2JzZxXD
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANA5WQld2Flas
570Please respect copyright.PENANAvW99U2FiOp
“I only showed you the door Bette. I did not make you walk through it.”570Please respect copyright.PENANA2tRWA8pFo1
570Please respect copyright.PENANAzdDmrYbsVS
“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.”570Please respect copyright.PENANAmrFAnqLo07
570Please respect copyright.PENANACwd0qXzQZk
Dr. Wells wasn't phased. "It would appear he is of an influence to you." 570Please respect copyright.PENANAZSoukje95C
570Please respect copyright.PENANAp1GxUcLU2y
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAjC3APWfJ21
570Please respect copyright.PENANAxGjBou2yRt
"What the hell happened?" Cisco asked as he scrambled to put out the small blast of fire.570Please respect copyright.PENANAWB7wtsRSeP
570Please respect copyright.PENANAEchmaVVQ2c
Cisco's face softened when he looked at Bette.570Please respect copyright.PENANAXSMezwxUaA
570Please respect copyright.PENANAmaSCxio4fE
"I'm sorry. What can I say...." Bette started to say, "it was out of my control."570Please respect copyright.PENANAWgrCrzdBVj
570Please respect copyright.PENANANYK6ROyxnj
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?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAb54BZnhP32
570Please respect copyright.PENANAvpDaLwmDBM
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAAwUCBAjPgG
570Please respect copyright.PENANAjtZ8snHX8R
"Bette?" Barry asked, trying to get up to her but Caitlin's arm calmly held him in place as she tended to his wounds.570Please respect copyright.PENANAvs4a3IMaVf
570Please respect copyright.PENANAmeIsp3LIrW
"Why..." She said, pausing to look at Wells' face. "Why am I here?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAFWOYPWqHLP
570Please respect copyright.PENANAGbG5EiLETc
Wells turned his eyes on Caitlin, then almost sarcastically back on Bette. "Caitlin, what did you configure on Ms. Souci?"570Please respect copyright.PENANA1BmKfHdNLL
570Please respect copyright.PENANAo6tKwBaO1S
Barry sharply looked at Caitlin, while keeping his attention on Bette. "Guys, what's going on?"570Please respect copyright.PENANA7JD3BSD5aD
570Please respect copyright.PENANAsIV0taflAw
Caitlin came around the desk, she wanted Bette to be calm when she told her what she was about to tell her.570Please respect copyright.PENANAWqzOhKwXyn
570Please respect copyright.PENANAFaIYxVT5hu
"Bette, do you trust us?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAOdNUGtdLx4
570Please respect copyright.PENANActW7U3xt59
Bette notice Barry looking at her, his eyes nearly piercing her but softening when they became more understanding than judgmental.570Please respect copyright.PENANAwOp5TpBIuW
570Please respect copyright.PENANAlffKiLnauy
"Yes, I do." She said blankly.570Please respect copyright.PENANAr92CMrxcVd
570Please respect copyright.PENANAsyedHpPZl1
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAY76SGmHc8f
570Please respect copyright.PENANAGqbXCwg4iQ
Bette forced herself to calm down and took a deep breath. "What does that mean?"570Please respect copyright.PENANA5Lb95ThDlG
570Please respect copyright.PENANAPgWAZv8z4b
"Doing something dangerous. It's risky; there are ramifications." Caitlin said, while pulling the status document from her desk and handing it to Bette.570Please respect copyright.PENANAPJr1UagHPF
570Please respect copyright.PENANAuS4QgBG2KF
Bette took several seconds before she rose her head, before she could cry the paper burst into flames as it dropped to the ground.570Please respect copyright.PENANAUajMW1i40Z
ns 172.70.179.87da2 570Please respect copyright.PENANAcCTXdwN8N8
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAFSMajCt01v
570Please respect copyright.PENANAIS70Bhspv2
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAFx44zld3xZ
570Please respect copyright.PENANARdbXCkjXWm
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANATQL1yPrqXq
570Please respect copyright.PENANAEJwevi9BVz
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAzKnB3IY5Ry
570Please respect copyright.PENANAWEPlhpathU
Bette sighed in relief as Caitlin Snow, dressed in her usual form-fitting attire peeked inside the room as if she were checking something.570Please respect copyright.PENANA5LWX5ohpWT
570Please respect copyright.PENANArI0AV5qdq6
"Good morning, how are you feeling Bette?" Caitlin asked her, moving further inside the room so Bette could make out her figure.570Please respect copyright.PENANApzsXrvuSNo
570Please respect copyright.PENANA59SsyBhyjk
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAKyBCutNzXi
570Please respect copyright.PENANADFCtBFu6lt
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?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAJRkQKjrdbq
570Please respect copyright.PENANAZpskmNCkOP
Caitlin firmly invited herself inside, shut the door behind and sat on the chair near the bed.570Please respect copyright.PENANAmi2H9M8DYa
570Please respect copyright.PENANAQyOv2ZNTbL
"For now it's just you and me. Do you want some breakfast?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAmgezxxrKRQ
570Please respect copyright.PENANAnkUZi5UQ2f
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAKaNh5mAPG8
570Please respect copyright.PENANAgJnT0QIBz7
"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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAeM3ULOZyT3
570Please respect copyright.PENANA3xh9cQghwS
Caitlin observed her reactions and twitched her mouth.570Please respect copyright.PENANAaxrnl1kHi7
570Please respect copyright.PENANAr6uUYIddRI
"Did you sleep well?" Caitlin asked.570Please respect copyright.PENANAQ3c7V8S70l
570Please respect copyright.PENANAvnlBpS5xF0
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAz1UP7fhcfC
570Please respect copyright.PENANA1jlKqquKP2
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANABhQ8EXvvvk
570Please respect copyright.PENANA25BeTjfli9
"I'm sorry."570Please respect copyright.PENANAFS6t52q52k
570Please respect copyright.PENANAFzC9A3NOKh
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAfmQ5F3GzlO
570Please respect copyright.PENANAerfsjzxNST
Caitlin made a mental note; maybe Barry had something to do with that. "I suppose then it was good to have Barry around."570Please respect copyright.PENANAabe2q0AWv8
570Please respect copyright.PENANAeJwI6k7VH3
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAd9Km8KdNAY
570Please respect copyright.PENANAwdrIaG3Wyu
She composed herself and pushed her strawberry blonde hair out of her eyes, clearing her throat of residual emotion. "Umm, you mentioned breakfast?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAcXdAbK8hL1
570Please respect copyright.PENANACTqDeaXf0V
"Follow me." Caitlin replied, leading the way out of the room toward another room that looked as if it was barely used.570Please respect copyright.PENANAWsuGoRmQIM
570Please respect copyright.PENANAi9K13RDaRL
Caitlin walked to the counter, grabbed a couple of paper bags and placed them on the table in the center.570Please respect copyright.PENANADGNtim2CpA
570Please respect copyright.PENANAcrkOOgswx2
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANADsXevog6Ta
570Please respect copyright.PENANAYl80TfNN7d
Caitlin moved abruptly and Bette woke out of her trance as the doctor placed clear, plastic gloves on the table. She looked at Bette.570Please respect copyright.PENANAOuPoflUcGg
570Please respect copyright.PENANAJ2l4hlB6lM
"You can sit down, you don't need to wait, its OK." Caitlin said, looking at Bette with warm eyes.570Please respect copyright.PENANAGzwNAirjK1
570Please respect copyright.PENANAemuDHQqxFy
Bette calmly and carefully took a seat across from Caitlin's and patiently watched as she had sat down too.570Please respect copyright.PENANAmLBQZU2vNs
570Please respect copyright.PENANAAtbihvcZH5
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANACDxonwPDrY
570Please respect copyright.PENANAkKtNwnbfSh
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAApOpTRkAOP
570Please respect copyright.PENANAwgtzVXgfx9
"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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAbiQqqhbBeQ
570Please respect copyright.PENANA0MRmgxotMV
"Thank you. I...I'm sorry if I'm...quiet."570Please respect copyright.PENANARGRYRpm4VQ
570Please respect copyright.PENANALwnsgD0a1F
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAr9Cs8tSdMM
570Please respect copyright.PENANA1iPYJh7b9r
Things were quiet for a few seconds until Bette remembered more bits from yesterday.570Please respect copyright.PENANAK2S56vZ4SA
570Please respect copyright.PENANAdZZVVy7PiI
"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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAp7Lac46VlO
570Please respect copyright.PENANARMnDadVVYH
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAzGonAyPEnB
570Please respect copyright.PENANAKd2zPw8yJ3
Bette looked down at her lap, her bare hands were shaking and she decided to slip on the plastic gloves.570Please respect copyright.PENANAEYjP0AZgkn
570Please respect copyright.PENANACqKaTLJD1Q
She wanted to know something but it was hard for her to come out with it. "Barry uses his abilities to, um, help others?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAbNoy7Yf1zO
570Please respect copyright.PENANAabMfWhQ57d
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAsiFHapDHbu
570Please respect copyright.PENANAKEpEWqOMCJ
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANANSLI5jemNY
570Please respect copyright.PENANAc9js1Wy7ma
The doctor chewed a couple bites before replying.570Please respect copyright.PENANAaGlm2g4NeV
570Please respect copyright.PENANAbWx2cmMzTZ
"There are many." Caitlin said, finishing the last bit of her bagel.570Please respect copyright.PENANAdBEEcOQpIi
570Please respect copyright.PENANAAuUO3qpAX1
"Many?"570Please respect copyright.PENANA2BG0Zdtdoo
570Please respect copyright.PENANA7OKr6wwHZJ
"Meta-humans, like you, and like Barry. We just haven't discovered them yet."570Please respect copyright.PENANAktPSkXWIHR
570Please respect copyright.PENANAQealNZnejP
“I didn’t think there were more. I thought I was alone.”570Please respect copyright.PENANAPCwBYq55C5
570Please respect copyright.PENANAmTj3836W2f
Caitlin was about to answer but stopped when she looked at Bette not touching her food.570Please respect copyright.PENANAPzDYHrIEnf
570Please respect copyright.PENANAfJ8tRU3aaz
"Were you hungry or...?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAMqXdMkaxnS
570Please respect copyright.PENANAEJZcqir0YZ
Bette's body held still, she realized she'd not properly eaten for days and her stomach began rumbling.570Please respect copyright.PENANA9HEuTUciPx
570Please respect copyright.PENANAmoRj0PypNT
"Sorry…I guess I could eat something."570Please respect copyright.PENANASe8qv2c5F8
570Please respect copyright.PENANAQgYtlVwsWR
Bette started nibbling on her food while Caitlin looked on.570Please respect copyright.PENANA1h9BrtCezB
570Please respect copyright.PENANAzLmmPAHYxV
"You know, you and I have some things in common."570Please respect copyright.PENANAQGaZnXBmOs
570Please respect copyright.PENANA0b3jPMVcnW
Bette put down the bagel to pick up her drink and looked at Caitlin.570Please respect copyright.PENANAcKOIpg87nO
570Please respect copyright.PENANA0CtLVVMepa
"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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAp0MzUXjxAA
570Please respect copyright.PENANAQdPARj2JM8
Bette was silent as she took a huge bite from her food and nearly choke on what she bit.570Please respect copyright.PENANAYVwkbdbo8V
570Please respect copyright.PENANAVY0adD5LH5
What Caitlin was saying rang true, only one thing didn't make sense.570Please respect copyright.PENANA94X6VYfc2u
570Please respect copyright.PENANAGSIPTqHawD
"What makes you think you and I have been through the exact same things?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAsBfVBsuHwM
570Please respect copyright.PENANAAyM70qmcth
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAGxPvqXijIH
570Please respect copyright.PENANAazE6I1zMl3
Bette swallowed hard as she drank some juice to coat the dryness in her throat. "Maybe, maybe that's true."570Please respect copyright.PENANADtpI5we0xn
570Please respect copyright.PENANAbDx6MpztW6
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAntFcrg2zVJ
570Please respect copyright.PENANABHczKoo8Ag
"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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAyz0ZmhGZXg
570Please respect copyright.PENANARuMEXvBKVm
"Where is Barry?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAj0QCU2wzoP
570Please respect copyright.PENANANzvPWMASLV
Caitlin almost thought of making something up on the spot but Bette was already told Barry exercised his abilities to help people.570Please respect copyright.PENANA8de9VRwS1s
570Please respect copyright.PENANAfCufllUUdk
"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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAFU9FgO7JZr
570Please respect copyright.PENANAa3uXeEj8FB
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAhrtRqbznK1
570Please respect copyright.PENANA0BiwsBEObs
"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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAAMaLoXWMsB
570Please respect copyright.PENANAhEXCV7nB9h
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..."570Please respect copyright.PENANAVGCk6vx6lm
570Please respect copyright.PENANA4ulCKGhc6Z
Bette's brows slightly tensed; Caitlin suddenly looked vulnerable, almost like Bette had right before she broke down yesterday.570Please respect copyright.PENANAIiHSzxYJMm
570Please respect copyright.PENANA7Cl19EzGR2
"He saved us all." Caitlin concluded and began typing furiously while placing self-restraint on her emotions.570Please respect copyright.PENANACrP6Vp7IjK
570Please respect copyright.PENANATfdZse3FfN
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAfmmEy9buoM
570Please respect copyright.PENANA7rvgmTw2Jw
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAPiwSr26G6U
570Please respect copyright.PENANAKE4HT2beQX
"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.570Please respect copyright.PENANARFr9OBdL24
570Please respect copyright.PENANAx77zBaQn6e
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAvRjFATBQWH
570Please respect copyright.PENANAQwooXWqnhp
"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."570Please respect copyright.PENANANjGG5cCupQ
570Please respect copyright.PENANAEvSHpnJzGL
Caitlin and Bette shared a strong look.570Please respect copyright.PENANAA1Zn9lsrUU
570Please respect copyright.PENANAXdYdNh8opz
"So I guess maybe, we aren't that similar."570Please respect copyright.PENANAXaLHV2i8qm
570Please respect copyright.PENANASRWiUfmcFc
"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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAJtjb4cVZQJ
570Please respect copyright.PENANAmczNfKXQsM
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAKWynh4zkIP
570Please respect copyright.PENANA891nazLlll
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAMvsLHmqIjA
570Please respect copyright.PENANA57pd4d5jBW
"Wait!" Caitlin exclaimed, startling Bette.570Please respect copyright.PENANAUgtV01lciP
570Please respect copyright.PENANANw60HfsGT5
"Sorry, I mean, what did you say before about controlling your powers?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAkmSeeA5E11
570Please respect copyright.PENANA4Tm3ViMMim
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAQPoVnO4eQu
570Please respect copyright.PENANAoUzBG5vFi8
"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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAiUQwZCerLU
570Please respect copyright.PENANA0fi4mvqU3Y
"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.570Please respect copyright.PENANA6qdcOBPzmt
570Please respect copyright.PENANAswjbw9zWfd
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAApKN2kBpus
570Please respect copyright.PENANAROr2RruDsi
Bette cleared her throat when she noticed Caitlin looked to be in another realm. "I don't understand, what's going on?"570Please respect copyright.PENANA5ipgXzmEcT
570Please respect copyright.PENANAT9H2WFNhL3
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAVLGeduTyBq
570Please respect copyright.PENANA8gKAxv17EO
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANA2DlImPyfnW
570Please respect copyright.PENANALaiwRuzs2j
"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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAqbeQ0vQvzJ
570Please respect copyright.PENANATKKKXk9IRL
This can't be the same guy who now wanted her best interest at heart.570Please respect copyright.PENANA64EQrko8Mw
570Please respect copyright.PENANAKZDHxE7ZCQ
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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAFRZGznZYiD
570Please respect copyright.PENANArThqH8nyVP
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?"570Please respect copyright.PENANArBoTPXigsF
570Please respect copyright.PENANAiyMPSv5IDW
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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAgeHqOz2KDh
570Please respect copyright.PENANAy2w00IVlZ1
"Guys? What's going on? Is it Bette? Give me an update? Is she OK?" Barry yelled through the system. "Guys, answer me!"570Please respect copyright.PENANAL5EUn1QZeF
570Please respect copyright.PENANAG0AVsVBEbd
Bette almost rushed over but Caitlin pushed the button before she could move an inch.570Please respect copyright.PENANAv7GqVn7kBV
570Please respect copyright.PENANAORSMsQ6DIQ
Barry groaned on the other end and they suddenly got cut through the transmission.570Please respect copyright.PENANAOjFoSEyzz6
570Please respect copyright.PENANAoCFzMNkN8N
Caitlin's wide eyes glared, she worried for the worst. "Oh god, Barry, what is going on?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAiVzsL3hg12
570Please respect copyright.PENANAyXAn6Pbm5e
She fiddled with the controls, pushing reset again. "Cisco, reboot, Barry lost us."570Please respect copyright.PENANABVUOZSZ1Vs
570Please respect copyright.PENANA3fIudBrczj
Cisco followed instructions swiftly while Dr. Wells looked from the corner of his eye to Bette.570Please respect copyright.PENANAeaQt4tluTk
570Please respect copyright.PENANA9LaJvxHZWK
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?570Please respect copyright.PENANAb6oOaeGYQZ
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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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAhyJNVq6jAr
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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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAIRVIRNQrjb
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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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAmmWOarVMCn
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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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAdVZxPRzmS3
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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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAni2MvmVYXU
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There was a knock on the door and before she could open it the door swung open slowly.570Please respect copyright.PENANAuhs29UeUNM
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"Bette, what are you doing in here?" Cisco said, opening the door all the way. "We need you."570Please respect copyright.PENANAdNyycnINn1
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“Is Barry OK?” She asked, her voice shaking.570Please respect copyright.PENANAuiiyeHaWXm
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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. 570Please respect copyright.PENANAdIiBkMLKz7
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“He can heal fast. It’s part of who he is.” Caitlin said from a distance.570Please respect copyright.PENANADnQV5D6s07
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Bette took a deep breath and stood up upon hearing this. She had to see for herself.570Please respect copyright.PENANAaXFJS7GGxe
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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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAuZWXuUudaK
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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?570Please respect copyright.PENANAkrbYPuKF7d
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“Ms. Souci, Caitlin brought into the picture something that may be the cure to what you’re seeking.”570Please respect copyright.PENANAJI4nnwxekA
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She nodded emotionless. “She said that before. Does she know what you told me to do?”570Please respect copyright.PENANAz4DCRMDluS
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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.570Please respect copyright.PENANA5WQld2Flas
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“I only showed you the door Bette. I did not make you walk through it.”570Please respect copyright.PENANA2tRWA8pFo1
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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.”570Please respect copyright.PENANAmrFAnqLo07
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Dr. Wells wasn't phased. "It would appear he is of an influence to you." 570Please respect copyright.PENANAZSoukje95C
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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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAjC3APWfJ21
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"What the hell happened?" Cisco asked as he scrambled to put out the small blast of fire.570Please respect copyright.PENANAWB7wtsRSeP
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Cisco's face softened when he looked at Bette.570Please respect copyright.PENANAXSMezwxUaA
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"I'm sorry. What can I say...." Bette started to say, "it was out of my control."570Please respect copyright.PENANAWgrCrzdBVj
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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?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAb54BZnhP32
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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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAAwUCBAjPgG
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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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAvs4a3IMaVf
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"Why..." She said, pausing to look at Wells' face. "Why am I here?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAFWOYPWqHLP
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Wells turned his eyes on Caitlin, then almost sarcastically back on Bette. "Caitlin, what did you configure on Ms. Souci?"570Please respect copyright.PENANA1BmKfHdNLL
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Barry sharply looked at Caitlin, while keeping his attention on Bette. "Guys, what's going on?"570Please respect copyright.PENANA7JD3BSD5aD
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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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAWqzOhKwXyn
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"Bette, do you trust us?"570Please respect copyright.PENANAOdNUGtdLx4
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Bette notice Barry looking at her, his eyes nearly piercing her but softening when they became more understanding than judgmental.570Please respect copyright.PENANAwOp5TpBIuW
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"Yes, I do." She said blankly.570Please respect copyright.PENANAr92CMrxcVd
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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."570Please respect copyright.PENANAY76SGmHc8f
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Bette forced herself to calm down and took a deep breath. "What does that mean?"570Please respect copyright.PENANA5Lb95ThDlG
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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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAPJr1UagHPF
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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.570Please respect copyright.PENANAUajMW1i40Z