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kina's ultimate (kinda messy) masterlist

K-Pop Imagines and Series

MASTERLIST

The Flash

heart out (series) - MASTERLIST

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heart out || barry allen [ix]

// chapter ix: a lesson on trust //

PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER  ||  MASTERLIST

Barry sped along in his new speedster suit towards downtown Central City. After his victory in stopping Clyde Mardon, he decided that he continue his crusade as the heroic speedster.

“Barry,” Cisco called through the comms but Barry kept running along. “Barry!”

The speedster stopped in his tracks. “What? Did I miss it?” he asked.

“You overshot by about six blocks,” answered Cisco.

“My bad,” said Barry as he turned around and sped to the location of the fire.

When he reached the burning building, a woman was shouting for her daughter. Barry ran just in time to find more people trapped in the burning building.

“You there yet?” Cisco asked through the comms.

“What are you doing?” Caitlin’s voice startled him that he turned off all the computers and turned to her.

“Nothing,” answered Cisco.

“Who are you talking to?” Caitlin pressed.

“No one.”

“Are you talking to Barry?”

“Who?” asked Cisco, who then wanted to slap himself afterwards for the stupid question.

“Barry Allen?” answered Caitlin as she began to walk towards Cisco slowly. “Struck by lightning? In a coma for nine months? Woke up being able to run faster than the speed of sound? Ring a bell?”

“Nope, haven’t talked to him,” Cisco lied.

“Cisco, there’s fire everywhere!” Barry’s voice called through the comms.

Dammit... Cisco thought.

At the burning building, Barry was trying to protect himself while trying to find the people still trapped inside.

“Mom?” a little girl’s voice called. “Mommy?”

Barry ran towards the voice that belonged to a little girl holding onto her doll for dear life. He carried her to safety and her mother found her. Then, Barry proceeded to bring out the last two of the trapped and ran from the scene.

He let out a big breath and said to Cisco in his earpieces, “Everybody’s out. What else you got for me, Cisco?”

“Barry, it’s Caitlin,” said Caitlin through the comms like a mother scolding her child.

Barry went silent for a moment. “Hey, Caitlin,” he greeted her in a somewhat high pitched voice, trying to lighten the mood. “How’s your day?”

“Get back to S.T.A.R Labs now,” Caitlin demanded.

“On my way,” said Barry, defeated. He was definitely in trouble.

As he was about to run, he suddenly felt dizzy and his ears were ringing, making him stumble and he tried to hold on to the trash bin to stabilize himself. Once he finally got a hold himself, he ran to S.T.A.R Labs.

He reached the Cortex swiftly and was met by an upset Caitlin. “Have you both lost your minds? Who do you think you are?” she scolded both Barry and Cisco.

“Well, I'm the eyes and ears,” said Cisco as he pointed to himself and then to Barry. “And he's the feet.”

“This isn't funny. You could have gotten yourself killed,” said Caitlin. “You can't be running around the city like some supersonic fireman.”

“Why not?” Barry tried to reason. “This is what we talked about. Me using my speed to do good.”

“We talked about you helping contain people who have been affected by the particle accelerator explosion. Meta-humans. And aside from Clyde Mardon, we haven't found any.”

“People in the city still need help and I can help them.”

“We can help them,” Cisco added.

Caitlin rolled her eyes and then she saw Wells wheeling into the Cortex. “Will you please say something?” she desperately asked him, everyone’s attention turning to him.

“I think what Caitlin is saying in her own spectacularly angry way is we're just beginning to understand what your body is capable of. Not to sound like a broken record, Mr. Allen, I do caution restraint,” said Wells.

“Dr. Wells, I doubt restraint is how you got to be the man you are today,” Barry commented.

“In a wheelchair and a pariah,” Wells said back. “Lack of restraint is what made me these things. Know your limits.”

“Don't expect me to patch you up every time you break something,” Caitlin said angrily to Barry before walking away, the latter confused at her tone.

Cisco went towards him. “Hey, uh, anything happen out there today?” he asked. “The sensors in the suit were kicking back weird telemetry. Your vitals spiked for a few seconds.”

“Never felt better,” said Barry with a shake of his head. “Where’s Alex, by the way?”

“Why?” Cisco asked with a knowing smile. “You miss her?”

“It’s not like that,” Barry denied while his cheeks heated up. “Well, you know, she’s been working here since I got struck by lightning but now she’s not going to S.T.A.R Labs anymore.”

“Alex was just hired as your nurse during your coma and when you woke up, you wouldn’t need her anymore,” answered Cisco. “That was the contract she had with us and now she’s working as a full-time nurse again, sad to say. I liked having her here.”

“Yeah... sad,” Barry said under his breath and Cisco gave him his phone.

Joe was calling him so he answered it. “Hey, Joe, everything all right?” he asked.

“Great,” Joe answered sarcastically. “I got a fresh crime scene, a dead body, detectives interviewing witnesses, yellow tape stretched over everything. I'm missing one thing. Can you guess what that is?”

Barry sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’ll be right there,” he said before hanging up.

“My day job beckons,” he said to himself before speeding away to the crime scene.

“When do you think he'll realize he didn't take his clothes?” Wells asked Cisco and Caitlin as he looked at the spot were Barry was.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Alex was finally back in her mundane life as a nurse in Central City. However, her life wouldn’t be as normal as before since she met Barry. What was impossible before was now possible after the particle accelerator explosion and Barry’s newfound powers. Alex knew that it’s better to stay where she is and do her job in helping people as a nurse. It was going to be the last time she would ever delve into the affairs at S.T.A.R Labs.

However, she still keeps in contact with Caitlin and especially Cisco, who was giggling like a little girl in their recent phone call. Alex just finished lunch and she took out her phone to see that Cisco was calling her.

“Good morning, Ms. Alexandra Lee,” he greeted her.

“I’ve told you for nine months what I prefer to be called, which is just ‘Alex,’“ she said with a laugh. “But whatever floats your boat. So what’s up? Any cool stories you wanna share?”

“Barry’s doing pretty well,” answered Cisco. “He just saved people from a burning building downtown.”

“What a hero,” Alex commented. “Well, he fits the job.”

“He definitely does,” said Cisco. “After his mission this morning, he’s been asking where you are?”

“You guys didn’t tell him?”

“Caitlin and I thought you’d tell him but apparently, you didn’t. So we told him and he looked like a sad little puppy when we did.”

Alex was surprised. “What do you mean he was sad?” she asked Cisco.

“Duh, he misses you,” said Cisco.

“Why would he miss me?” Alex mumbled.

“Because he likes you!”

“We’re just friends, Cisco. If he likes anyone, it’s Iris. I mean, they’ve known each other for a long time.”

“He may like Iris but you were the one he was looking for,” Cisco retorted. “You were the one taking care of him most of the time when he was in a coma and you were the one that motivated him to be a hero. You’re basically his knight in shining scrubs.”

Alex laughed at the term. “Keep dreaming, Cisco,” she said. “It’s not gonna happen. I’m gonna go back to work now.”

“Hey, hey. Don’t hang up on me just yet, Alex--” Cisco said through the phone but Alex hung up before letting him continue.

As she was walking to her next set of rounds, her mind was preoccupied with Barry. He hasn’t contacted her much and she thought he might be busy especially since he’s working as a CSI and also starting to become a hero. She guessed that this is how it’s just meant to be. He was the hero of the city and she is just a nurse helping the rest of the citizens.

After finishing her rounds at the emergency ward, which was the last part of her shift, she received another phone call from Cisco. “What’s up?” she asked. “More fangirling about Barry?”

“Not fangirling but it’s about Barry and we need your help,” said Cisco urgently.

- - - - - - - - - - - - 

“You lied to us,” said Caitlin angrily. “How could you not tell us you're experiencing dizzy spells? We're your doctors. God knows what's going on inside your body.”

Barry was sitting on the bed and just looked down, letting Caitlin ramble on until he heard a voice call from the hallway to the Cortex.

“What’s going on?” it asked.

Barry looked up and he sat up straighter when he saw Alex enter the room. He thought she was not going to work in S.T.A.R Labs anymore now that he was awake.

“Alex?” Barry asked. “I thought you’re not working here anymore?”

“I’m not,” Alex answered. “But Cisco called me and told me you guys need help and that it’s urgent.”

Everyone then looked at Cisco. “We could use an extra pair of hands?” he said sheepishly, almost sounding like a question.

Alex rolled her eyes. This situation is Cisco’s way of trying to set her and Barry up. However, judging by Caitlin’s rambling that she heard from the hallway, something was definitely going on with Barry.

“Anyway,” Caitlin started again and ranted to Barry. “ Your cells are in a constant state of flux. You could be experiencing cardiopulmonary failure, or a transient ischemic attack.”

Barry looked at Caitlin with a confused expression and then turned to Alex for help. “Mini-stroke,” she clarified for him. “But it’s not the only reason for a dizzy spell. There are plenty of other reasons.”

“You, of all people, should know that in science, we share. We do not keep secrets,” Caitlin continued before walking away to calm down.

Alex had never seen Caitlin so angry before and it sent a chill down her spine. She just went towards Barry and put her hand on his shoulder to calm his nerves after being put on the spot by Caitlin. Barry seemed to be relaxed under her touch and he looked up to smile at her. Alex smiled back and then Barry pats her hand that was on his shoulder.

“Wow, I haven't seen anyone make her that angry since Ronnie,” Cisco commented before going somewhere else.

“Ronnie was Caitlin's fiance?” asked Barry. “The one that died the night of the accelerator explosion?”

“Yeah,” answered Wells. “He is missed...”

Barry, Wells, and Alex went silent for a moment, processing the fact that Caitlin was angry because Barry’s situation made her worry like how she worried about Ronnie at the night of the explosion.

“Now, let's figure out why this is happening to you,” said Wells as he moved his wheelchair to lead Barry and Alex.

“Need any help getting up?” asked Alex.

“No, I’m fine,” Barry answered as he hopped out of the hospital bed. “Thank you.”

They walked together to where Wells was leading them. He lead them to a room and inside was some sort of treadmill with piles of boxes behind it. Barry then changed to a S.T.A.R Labs sweater, sweatpants, and trainers. 

“We’re all set,” Cisco said and Barry was quizzically staring at the boxes. “A little padding, just in case.”

“Yeah,” said Barry and Cisco went to the observation room where Wells, Caitlin, and Alex were.

Barry stepped onto the treadmill. “You sure about this, Cisco?“ he asked.

“Most home treadmills have a maximum speed of about 12 miles per hour,” answered Cisco from the observation room. “This one has been Cisco'ed. Trust me, it can handle your speed.”

“Okay,” said Barry. He started to jog when the treadmill started moving. Then, he started running as how he actually would. Alex observed his blurry figure running before looking at his vitals on Caitlin’s computer.

“Heart rate, blood pressure, nerve conduction all normal,” Caitlin reported.

“For Barry,” Wells added.

“Brainwave function within standard limits,” said Caitlin.

“Told you the treadmill could take it,” said Cisco with a giggle.

Alex, who was reading the vitals on Caitlin’s computer, found the problem. “Caitlin,” she called, making the mentioned look behind her. “Look at his glucose levels.”

Caitlin then checked Barry’s glucose levels on her computer and said, “Oh my God, of course.”

“Right?” said Alex.

“It’s so obvious,” said Caitlin.

Wells then talked to Barry through the microphone. “Barry, we think we know why you keep--” he said until Barry lost control and ended up flying backwards to the boxes behind him, surprising everyone.

“Passing out,” Wells continued.

Immediately, Alex opened the door leading to the treadmill room and pushed away the boxes that were on top of Barry. When they got the boxes off of him, Cisco and Caitlin helped Alex carry the unconscious speedster to the bed. Barry may be slim, but he was heavy.

Like what she did when he was in a coma, she checked his vitals and then she sat next to him afterwards. It was already dusk and Barry was awake again. Alex helped him sit up on the bed.

“I passed out again,” Barry groaned.

“Total metabolic failure brought on by acute hypoglycemia,” said Caitlin.

“I'm not eating enough,” said Barry as he got off the bed with Alex’s assistance. “So an l.V. bag and I'm good to go.”

Alex just laughed and showed Barry the forty I.V. bags waiting for him. “Try forty,” she said.

“Guess you were thirsty,” Wells commented.

“Given your speed and your metabolism, the regular ‘three meals a day with some snacks’ will just burn right through your system,” said Alex.

“We're gonna need to fashion you a diet based on your metabolic changes,” said Caitlin.

“You need to consume an amount equal to roughly 850 tacos,” said Cisco but then realized something. “Unless we're talking cheese and guac, which is like a whole other set of equations.”

“For Mexican, I recommend Tito's on Bruckner Avenue,” an unknown voice said and a familiar man entered the Cortex. “Best burrito in the city.”

It was Joe West, Barry’s adoptive father. “Detective West, what brings you to S.T.A.R. Labs?” asked Wells. “When I couldn't find you at your lab, I started doing a little research,” Joe said to Barry in particular. “Turns out, there's been reports of a red streak around the city,” he continued. “Stopping muggers, rescuing people from burning buildings.” Caitlin gave Barry a knowing look but the latter just ignored it. Wells tried to break the silence. “You... didn't tell him we were working together?” he asked Barry. “Joe, I can explain--” Barry tried to reason but was interrupted by Joe. “You already have a job in law enforcement, Barry. I suggest you get back to it,” he said.

“Mm-hm,” Caitlin quipped, earning a look from Joe.

“Don't look at me. I'm on your side,” she said. “Detective, we all want what's best for Barry,” said Wells. “If you wanted what was best for Barry, you'd talk him out of this instead of encouraging him going out there risking his life,” said Joe angrily. “You saw a man control the weather,” said Barry. “What are the police gonna do against someone like that?” “Since the accelerator explosion, we suspect there may more like him,” he continued. “And you're gonna do what?” asked Joe with crossed arms “Catch them? Are you insane? You think because you can run real fast that you're invincible? You're not. You're just a kid. My kid.”

With that last statement, Joe looked at Wells. The next thing Barry said shocked Alex. “I'm not your kid, Joe,” he said to his adoptive father, whose eyes are glistening. “And you're not my father.” Barry hopped off the table he was sitting on and continued, “My father is sitting in Iron Heights, wrongfully convicted. You were wrong about him and you're wrong about this. Now, I may not be able to help him but if I can save someone from a burning building or stop some armed thieves, I'm gonna do it. And you can't stop me. So don't try.”

Barry’s words felt heavy for Alex. At least he’s lucky to still have his real father and that he has another father figure, she thought. She then looked at Joe, who was trying to stop his tears and put up his pride. “You think you're so smart... All of you,” he said. “But you don't know what you don't know.” He turned to Wells and said, “And I hope that you're clever enough to figure it out before somebody gets killed.”

With one sorrowful look at Barry, Joe turned away and left the Cortex. Alex looked at the detective and she felt the amount of disrespect and sorrow that he felt from Barry’s words. It hit home for her and she couldn’t help but be angry towards Barry for disregarding whom he’s blessed to have.

“You’re so disrespectful,” Alex seethed.

“Disrespectful?” Barry asked, who is also still angry from what just happened. “He’s not my father, Alex. My father is in prison, wrongfully convicted for my mother’s murder. Joe was the one being disrespectful by making himself my father when I already have one.”

“At least you have someone, Barry!” Alex yelled and Barry fell silent as he just witnessed an angry Alex. Her usually calming eyes suddenly became terrifying and it almost scared him.

“I lost both of my parents when I was fourteen and I had no one,” she continued. “I was alone, jumping from foster home to foster home because no one wanted me. I had to rely on myself and it served me well after I graduated. The only family I have is myself and eventually, the friends I made.”

Alex went towards Barry, looking into his eyes. The latter noticed her eyes changed. Before, they were angry as if there was fire in them. Now, they began to soften and her voice became gentle again.

“Family isn’t just about blood, Barry,” she said. “It’s also about being there for each other, caring for each other, trusting each other. It’s also a choice... and Joe chose to love you and care for you when your real dad wasn’t there. He has every right to be concerned for you. And now that you have this whole team behind you, they also have that right.”

Alex didn’t say anymore words and silence enveloped the room. She just grabbed her bag and coat and then left the building. Cisco watched her figure disappear into the hallway. His little attempt in getting her and Barry to interact again was a complete failure. Meanwhile, Barry was stung by Alex’s words but his recklessness reigned and he kept his pride up.

#the flash #fanfic #barry allen #iris west #cisco ramon #caitlin snow #joe west #harrison wells #eobard thawne #original character #series #cw series #arrowverse

[pastel-kinana]

heart out || barry allen [viii]

// chapter viii: the birth of a hero //

PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER  ||  MASTERLIST

“I wasn't the only one affected by the particle accelerator explosion, was I?” Barry asked Wells angrily.

Then, Barry turned to Caitlin and Cisco, who just stayed silent. Afterwards, he turned to Alex, who only looked at Barry with an expression of pity. After working in S.T.A.R Labs for nine months, she was pretty much informed about what they talk about and what they’ve been working on.

“We don’t know for sure,” answered Wells.

“You said the city was safe, that there was no residual danger. But that's not true. So what really happened that night?” Barry retorted.

 Wells looked down and turned to Caitlin and Cisco, who kept their heads down. He then looked at Alex, who was silently pleading him to tell the truth, before turning to Barry. “Well... The accelerator went active. We all felt like heroes, and then... it all went wrong,” he said.

Then, he tapped on the tablet attached to his wheelchair and showed a diagram to Barry on the screen. “The dimensional barrier ruptured, unleashing unknown energies into our world. Antimatter, dark energy, x-elements--” he continued.

“Those are all theoretical,” Barry interrupted.

“And how theoretical are you?” Wells said back and the diagram showed parts of Central City where the dark matter is scattered. “We mapped the dispersion throughout and around Central City. Though we have no way of knowing exactly what or... who was exposed, we've been searching for other meta-humans like yourself.”

“Meta-humans?” asked Barry.

“That’s what we’re calling them,” answered Caitlin.

“I saw one today. He's a bank robber and he can control the weather,” said Barry.

Of course, Alex thought. That’s why there were three straight storms in the south.

“This just keeps getting cooler,” Cisco commented giddily at the mention of the bank robber controlling the weather.

“Cisco, I don’t think--” said Alex before being interrupted by Barry.

“This is not cool. All right? A man died,” he said. Cisco’s smile turned into a frown and he bowed his head in apology.

“Mardon must have gotten his powers the same way I did. From the storm cloud. He's still out there. We have to stop him before he hurts anyone else,” said Barry desperately.

“Barry!” Wells raised his voice to stop him. “That’s a job for the police.”

“I work for the police,” said Barry.

“As a forensic assistant.”

“You’re responsible for this,” Barry seethed. “For him.”

“What's important is you!” Wells yelled. “Not me. I lost everything. I lost my company. I lost my reputation. I lost my freedom. And then you broke your arm and it healed in three hours. Inside your body could be a map to a whole new world-- genetic therapies, vaccines, medicines, treasures buried deep within your cells and we cannot risk losing everything because you want to go out and play hero!”

After the monologue, Barry gave Wells an incredulous look. “You're not a hero. You are just a young man who was struck by lightning,” Wells continued.

Out of frustration, Barry walked out of the Cortex. Alex was about to walk after him until she was stopped by Wells.

“Let him go, Ms. Lee,” he said. “He needs to figure out himself that he isn’t a hero.”

“Well, he isn’t your guinea pig either,” Alex retorted. “He’s just like any other person who wants to help. And what you say about him is not helping others. You just wanna help yourself.”

With that statement, Alex walked out of the Cortex to follow Barry. Thankfully, she found him in the hallway.

“Barry,” she called him.

Barry turned around to face her. “Look, Alex, if you’re gonna make me go back there, it’s not working,” he said.

“Who said I was gonna do that?” Alex said back.

“I just wanna be by myself right now, please,” said Barry.

“I understand,” said Alex. “I just want you to know that I worked for Wells to help you and not him. I know how much you wanna use whatever your ability is to help people and I think that’s really brave of you.”

Barry looked into her eyes that were full of sincerity and possibly care for him.

“I just want you to think of me as a friend, Barry. Besides probably Wells and some others, not everyone is out to get you. Like you, a lot of people wanna help and be there to do it with you,” Alex continued.

Barry gave her a smile, touched by her words, and Alex held his hand with a smile as well. Alex felt a spark when she touched his hand and her cheeks were light pink. Barry felt the same spark and he couldn’t help but feel his heart racing slightly.

“Thank you,” said Barry.

“Anytime,” said Alex.

“I gotta go visit another friend first,” said Barry.

“Who’s this friend?” asked Alex.

“A close one of mine,” answered Barry.

“Alright. I’ll leave you to it.”

With one last smile. Barry ran with a tail of lightning follow him. He was so fast that Alex saw his figure swiftly disappear in front of her and a gust of wind made her stumble slightly.

That’s his power? she thought. Cool. 

After everything that transpired, Alex went back to her apartment instead of seeing Dr. Wells. She dressed herself in jogging pants and her Hudson University t-shirt and fixed herself some dinner. She scooped rice in a bowl and took out some side dishes such as kimchi and seasoned spinach. She was eating while watching TV, scrolling through the different channels until she just settled on watching cartoons.

As she was just about to finish eating, a gust of wind and a tail of lightning surprised her. Good thing she swallowed her food before she could choke. It was Barry in her apartment.

“Barry!” Alex yelped. “How did you know I live here?”

“Sorry!” Barry blubbered. “I looked through all the apartment buildings near the hospital since I figured that you’re a nurse and you’d live near, right?”

Alex just nodded with still surprised eyes. “Uh huh...” she said. “Why are you here?”

“I think I know how we can stop Mardon,” said Barry.

“Wait, did you say ‘we?’“

“Yeah. Your speech inspired me and my other friend’s too. I wanna help, Alex, and I don’t wanna do this alone. So what do you say?”

Barry held out his hand towards Alex, hopeful that she’ll join. With a smile, she took his hand and stood up from her chair, shaking his hand.

“Let me just get my--” said Alex before she was interrupted by Barry speedily putting on her socks and shoes for her. He also tossed her her coat and she just looked at him with a surprised expression.

“We need to get to S.T.A.R Labs and ask Cisco and Caitlin to help us,” said Barry.

“How do we get there?” asked Alex, sounding rhetorical. “News says it’s heavy traffic tonight.”

“I’ll carry you,” Barry immediately said. “And I’ll run us to S.T.A.R Labs.”

“Are you sure?” asked Alex with a tone of doubt. “You just took your powers out for a spin today and you think it’s a good idea to run while carrying me?”

“I’m sure. Now, come on,” said Barry.

Alex just nodded and Barry swiftly carried her bridal style, making the former blush at the intimate position they were in. She tried to not look directly into his eyes to calm down.

“Hang on tight,” Barry told her as he ran.

Alex saw a momentary blur of colors and the wind blowing at her face. She held on tight to ensure she wouldn’t slip from his grip. In a flash, they were already at the S.T.A.R Labs Cortex, where Cisco and Caitlin were. Barry gently put her down and made sure she didn’t stumble.

“Thanks,” said Alex. “That was surreal.”

“What’s going on?” asked Caitlin.

“I need your help,” said Barry.

Barry sped away for a moment and then brought in file boxes from the CCPD that were in his office and laid them out for everyone to examine. 

“I've been going over unsolved cases from the past nine months and there's been a sharp increase in unexplained deaths and missing people. Your meta-humans have been busy,” he said to Cisco and Caitlin who were just looking at Barry, then Alex, and then to each other.

“Now, I'm not blaming you. I know you didn't mean for any of this to happen. I know you all lost something but I need your help to catch Mardon and anyone else out there like him. But I can't do it without you,” he continued.

Then, Cisco said with a smile, “If we're gonna do this, I have something that might help.”

Cisco led the other three in a room where he presented them a sleek red suit with a mask. “Something I've been playing with. Designed to replace the turnouts firefighters traditionally wear. I thought if S.T.A.R. Labs could do something nice for the community, maybe people wouldn't be so angry at Dr. Wells anymore,” he said.

“How is it going to help me?” asked Barry.

“It's made of a reinforced tri-polymer. It's heat and abrasive resistant so it should withstand your moving at high-velocity speeds. And the aerodynamic design should help you maintain control. Plus, it has built-in sensors so we can track your vitals and stay in contact with you from here,” Cisco answered.

“Thanks,” said Barry, staring at the suit. “Now, how do we find Mardon?”

Caitlin stepped forward with her tablet. “I retasked S.T.A.R. Labs satellite to track meteorological abnormalities over Central City,” she said and everyone huddled around her.

“We just got a ping,” she continued. “Atmospheric pressure dropped 20 millibars in a matter of seconds. I've tracked it to a farm just west of the city.”

Barry was looking at the suit in awe and then with a smile of hope. Alex went towards him. “What are you waiting for?” she asked. “Suit up.”

Barry just chuckled and sped into the red suit. “How do I look?” he asked through the gas mask. 

“Looks tight,” Alex commented nonchalantly.

“At least I got some good tight spanx to go with it,” Barry said jokingly, making Alex laugh.

Cisco did some final touches with the suit and checked the sensors and comms if they were working well. When he was done, Alex took the opportunity to give Barry a pep talk before he goes to save the day.

“You good?” asked Alex.

“Nervous,” answered Barry.

“You can do it,” said Alex. “I know you can.”

Barry smiled through the mask and then he sped away to the crime scene.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

While carrying his unconscious partner out of the farmhouse, Joe West was trying to stay calm and find a way to stop Clyde Mardon. The tornado the robber created was getting stronger and stronger. It was not safe to run anywhere in that moment. The tornado moved and along with it were pieces of the farmhouse that were swept away. A piece of the roof was hurling towards Joe until it was pushed away mid-air by a red-suited stranger.

Underneath the piece of the roof was Barry. He pushed away the piece of wood and he took off the gas mask that was covering his face. 

“Barry! Barry!” Cisco called through the comms. “This thing's getting closer. Wind speeds are 200 miles-per-hour and increasing. Barry, can you hear me?”

“Yeah, loud and clear!” Barry answered.

“If it keeps up, this could become an F-5 tornado,” said Alex.

“But it's headed towards the city,” said Barry. “How do I stop it? Guys?”

Barry looked at the tornado and tried to study it. “What if I unravel it?” he asked.

“How the hell are you going to do that?” asked Caitlin.

“I'll run around it in the opposite direction,” answered Barry. “Cut off its legs.”

“Your body may not be able to handle those speeds. You'll die,” said Caitlin.

“I have to try,” said Barry.

He looked at Joe for a moment and then he ran towards the tornado, trying to stop it by running in the opposite direction.

Back at S.T.A.R Labs, Alex, Caitlin, and Cisco were seated by the computers. They were watching Barry’s vitals and the stats of the tornado Mardon created. 

“The suit’s holding up,” Cisco said happily.

“But he’s not,” Caitlin said worriedly.

“He can do it,” Alex reassured. “I know he can do it.”

A few minutes in Barry’s attempt to stop the tornado, the three heard his groans of pain, meaning he was thrown away by the tornado. Alex grimaced and tightened her fist that was resting on her lap.

“It’s too strong!” they heard Barry yell in the comms.

“Alex,” a voice called to the said girl.

Alex turned around in her chair and saw Wells wheeling towards the computers. “Let me talk to him please,” he said.

She looked at him for a minute but then moved her chair to make way for him. He went towards the mic and said to Barry, “You can do this, Barry. You were right. I am responsible for all of this.”

Alex smiled at Wells who was finally admitting his mistakes and motivating Barry to do what he thinks is right.

“So many people have been hurt because of me, and when I looked at you, all I saw was another potential victim of my hubris. And yes, I created this madness but you, Barry, you can stop it. You can do this. Now run, Barry, run!” said Wells.

Barry, who was so close to giving up, just needed Wells’ words to stand up once again and run towards the tornado once more to stop it. He ran and ran and ran until tornado dissipated, accompanied by an explosive sound.

The four people in S.T.A.R Labs heard the noise and were relieved that the tornado was gone but at the same time, they were wondering what happened to the speedster.

“Barry?” Alex tried to call him through the comms. All she could hear was indistinct voices and she scrutinized it trying to find Barry’s voice.

“I can barely hear him,” she said to the rest of the team.

“Try again,” said Caitlin.

As Alex was about to try again, she heard a gunshot. Her eyes widened and so did Caitlin’s and Cisco’s. “Barry?” she called again, panic lacing her tone.

“It’s over,” Barry answered.

Alex smiled and let out a laugh of relief. “I knew you could do it,” she said.

After a little while, Barry raced back into the Cortex, victorious. He smiled and laughed and the rest joined in. Cisco first stood up and gave him a hug. After letting go of Cisco, Barry hugged Caitlin. Then, he went to Alex. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and she wrapped hers around his waist.

“Thank you for believing in me,” he whispered in her ear.

“I’ll always believe in you,” she said sincerely.

#the flash #fanfic #cw series #barry allen #iris west #cisco ramon #caitlin snow #joe west #harrison wells #eobard thawne #original character #series #arrowverse

[pastel-kinana]

heart out || barry allen [vii]

// chapter vii: so much drama in one day //

PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER  ||  MASTERLIST

“It’s hard to believe I’m here. I’ve always wanted to meet you face to face,” said Barry as he and Wells took a stroll in S.T.A.R Labs.

Wells smiled and said, “Well, you certainly went to great lengths to do it.”

He then continued, “S.T.A.R. Labs has not been operational since FEMA categorized us as a Class Four hazardous location. Seventeen people died that night. Many more were injured...” 

Wells then said when they reached the remains of the destroyed particle accelerator, “Myself amongst them.”

“Jeez,” Barry said quietly. “What happened?”

“ Nine months ago, the particle accelerator went online exactly as planned. For 45 minutes, I had achieved my life's dream. And then... there was an anomaly,” answered Wells.

Barry looked at Wells as the latter continued, “ The electron volts became unmeasurable, the ring under us popped. Energy from that detonation was thrown into the sky and that, in turn, seeded a storm cloud--”

“That created a lightning bolt that struck me,” Barry said for Wells.

“That's right,” said Wells, who then gestured to his disabled legs. “I was recovering myself... when I heard about you.”

Wells continued, “The hospital was undergoing unexplainable power outages. Every time you were going into cardiac arrest, which was actually a misdiagnosis. Because, you see, you weren't flatlining, Barry. Your heartbeat was moving too fast for the EKG to register it.”

The two men ended their stroll back to the Cortex. “Now, I'm not the most popular person in town these days but Detective West and his daughter gave me permission to bring you here, where we were able to stabilize you,” said Wells.

The mention of Joe and Iris caught Barry’s attention. “Iris?” Barry asked.

“Iris, yes,” answered Wells. “She came to see you quite often.”

“She talks a lot,” Caitlin commented.

“Also, she’s hot,” Cisco said afterwards.

“Cisco, you call everyone hot,” Alex said in a snarky tone, earning a glare from Cisco and a slight smirk from Caitlin.

“I need to go,” Barry suddenly said.

“No, you can’t,” said Caitlin.

“No, no. Caitlin’s right,” said Wells. “Now that you’re awake we need to do more tests. You’re still going through changes. There’s so much we don’t know.”

“I’m fine,” Barry reassured. “Really, I feel normal. Thank you for saving my life.”

He then went out the Cortex. “Really?” Caitlin said, somewhat annoyed.

Alex just shrugged. Then, Barry went back to the entrance of the Cortex. “Can I have the sweatshirt?”

“Yeah, keep the sweatshirt,” said Wells with the same annoyed expression.

“Okay,” said Barry as he left once again.

Everyone in the Cortex was silent. “Well, that was eventful,” said Cisco.

“Guess so,” Alex agreed and then she went to grab her bag. “Anyway, I’m going to work.”

“Alright,” said Wells. “Keep safe.”

“Bye,” said Alex with a wave as she went out the Cortex and headed to Central City Hospital.

After dressing into her scrubs, Alex was back to her day job as a nurse. Affairs at the hospital were mundane and smooth-sailing as always. At lunch, Alex and Rosie were talking just at their own little corner at the cafeteria.

“He’s awake?” asked Rosie.

“Yeah, he is,” said Alex with a slight smile. “It was like a miracle.”

“Definitely,” Rosie commented. “I see it in your smile.”

“I’m not smiling,” Alex retorted.

“Sure you’re not,” said Rosie, rolling her eyes.

Alex just chuckled and continued eating her lunch. After lunch, Alex made her rounds, checking on the patients’ vitals and also treating minor injuries. Afterwards, she then met up with Rosie, who was watching the news on TV at the nurse’s desk.

“Storm at Gold City Bank...” Rosie commented. “It’s another storm for the third time in a row.”

Alex just watched the news in curiosity. Rosie was right. There had been many storms at the south of Central City and it gave Alex a weird feeling in her gut. It was as if something was about to happen. Alex tried to ignore it by doing more rounds until she had another break time. She wanted to have chamomile tea from Jitters to calm her nerves. She grabbed her coat and purse and headed out to Jitters.

While on the way, she saw someone familiar. “Barry?” she asked.

Barry, who was sitting on a bench, looked up and smiled. “Alex!” he greeted. “What are you doing here?”

“On my way to Jitters,” Alex answered. “What about you?”

“Not really doing anything at the moment,” answered Barry.

“Well...” Alex pondered. “Wanna join me? Might need some company.”

“Okay,” said Barry and he smiled, making Alex smile in return.

The pair walked together to Jitters. Alex felt little butterflies in her stomach just by being with him. It certainly felt different when he was awake and actually interacting with her. She had always talked to his unconscious self for nine months that she almost forgot about their chance encounter at CCPD.

“So...” Barry started awkwardly.

“Yeah?” asked Alex.

“How are you?” asked Barry.

“I’m doing fine,” answered Alex.

“That’s good,” Barry commented. “I just wanna ask. Why were you at S.T.A.R Labs? I mean, you work at Central City Hospital, right? So what were you doing at S.T.A.R Labs? I’m not offending you or anything. I’m just curious.”

Barry had said that all in almost one breath and he wanted to hit himself for talking too much in front of the poor nurse. However, Alex just chuckled and patted his arm in a friendly way, making him blush slightly.

“I was hired by Dr. Wells to be your nurse,” answered Alex. “I still don’t know why he asked me to be the person for the job even if he said I was ‘more than capable.’”

“Well... knowing Dr. Wells, he probably picked you because you are,” said Barry.

Alex just shrugged and said, “As long as I was helping someone, I took it. I became a nurse for a reason. I wanted to help people. I wanted to do something for a higher cause.”

“Sounds heroic, Alex,” Barry commented with a smile.

“Kinda cheesy but that’s what I believe in,” said Alex with a smile.

Barry and Alex found themselves in a full conversation unlike last time at CCPD. It was definitely better than that time. It was the start of getting to know each other. Barry had been really curious about Alex since the first time he saw her. Maybe because of how pretty she is or the way he feels calm when she looks at him. At the same time, Barry was holding himself back because he had just known Alex. It wasn’t enough compared to what he feels for Iris.

Speaking of Iris... his world crashed when they reached Jitters.

“Barry?” Alex called to her companion, who just froze in his tracks. She then followed his line of sight and she saw Iris and Detective Eddie Thawne kissing at Jitters.

Alex frowned and looked at Barry. She had known about Iris’ and Eddie’s relationship for quite some time now and from observing Barry’s frown when he saw the scene in front of him, he definitely has feelings for Iris. Then, Iris pulled away from Eddie and she saw Barry and Alex looking at them.

Barry was about to head away from Jitters but Alex stopped him. “You okay?” she asked.

“I have to go,” said Barry. “I’m sorry, Alex. I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

“You don’t have to make it up to me,” said Alex.

“No, I do,” said Barry. “I gotta go. I’m sorry again.”

“It’s okay, Barry. Take your time.”

Barry just smiled and went away. Alex just sighed at his retreating figure. Well, that was eventful, she thought, repeating Cisco’s words earlier, and then entered Jitters.

She saw Iris go towards her. “Alex...” the latter trailed off, wanting to ask about Barry.

“You should go talk to him,” Alex only said. “Clarify things with him.”

Iris said no more and just thanked Alex for her advice before leaving. Alex never thought that there would be this much drama in the span of one day. She wasn’t one for the drama and just wanted things to be resolved easily. But this is how life is and she thought to just go with it.

After getting her tea and finishing her last rounds at the hospital, she clocked out and received a phone call from Cisco telling her that Wells will be giving her paycheck for this month. It might probably be the last paycheck she will ever receive from her new job and she would go back to just being a regular nurse. She took a bus to S.T.A.R Labs and then made her way to the Cortex.

“Hey, honey! How’s your day?” Cisco asked, exaggeratedly acting like a suburban dad.

“Yes, dad. It’s just okay,” answered Alex, going along with his joke.

“Ah, Ms. Lee,” said Wells as he wheeled towards her and handed her an envelope. “Here’s your paycheck for this month and your last one since Mr. Allen has woken up. Thank you for helping us in getting him better.”

“Well, it’s my job,” said Alex with a smile, which was returned by Wells with his own smile.

After thankfully taking the envelope, Alex was startled by a furious Barry entering the Cortex.

#the flash #fanfic #barry allen #iris west #cisco ramon #caitlin snow #joe west #harrison wells #eobard thawne #original character #series #cw series #arrowverse

[pastel-kinana]

An animation I did of my most recent drawing. Animating is so much fun and I look forward to doing more for future drawings. Prints available in my shop. Etsy | Instagram

[pastel-kinana]

heart out || barry allen [vi]

// chapter vi: back to reality //

PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER  ||  MASTERLIST

"Again,” the voice said. 

Alex tried to fight. Her knuckles were bloody and she felt pain all over her body. She was throwing punches and kicks at the unknown in front of her but her attempts were futile.

"Weak," the voice said once again, this time more cruel than before.

Alex let out a cry of pain but she still held on. A katana was thrown to her which she caught and immediately, she was slashing at whatever was in front of her but again, she failed at completing the task.

"Too slow,” the voice said, its tone dripping with anger.

“I’m doing the best I can!” Alex yelled into the void. “What the hell do you want me to do?”

"Kill or be killed, Alex," the voice said. “That idea is what’s supposed to drive you into becoming your best self.”

“How is this my best self?” asked Alex angrily.

"I’m part of you, Alex,” the voice answered. “You will never get rid of me.”

The darkness around her started to consume her slowly and she screamed for help until she was swallowed.

- - - - - - - - - - - 

Alex woke up with a gasp. She looked around to see where she is. She let out a sigh of relief when she realized she's still in S.T.A.R Labs. While everyone else went home, Alex wanted to stay for a while. She didn't feel like going home and wanted to stay with Barry, who was still in a coma. After the incident in the warehouse, Alex kept having nightmares but these were more than nightmares.

Much more.

She decided to spend extra hours watching over Barry. Just staying by his side calmed her and it distracted her from thinking about the nightmares. She stayed at S.T.A.R Labs more often than her apartment. She even brought blankets and packs of instant noodles. She made use of the extra bed and slept next to Barry. Caitlin was concerned about Alex not going home and Cisco endlessly teased Alex for being attached to Barry.

Alex checked the clock for the time. It was 7 in the morning and she decided to get up to check on Barry's vitals. She stretched her muscles before getting the clipboard and then she walked over to Barry.

"Let's see how you are today," she said.

She checked the monitor for his heart rate and then checked his blood pressure. After doing all that, she removed the stethoscope and laid it on the table with the clipboard.

"You're doing fine as always," said Alex with a smile as she sat down on the chair next to Barry's bed.

"It's been... a long while," she said. Actually, it's been nine months.

Alex held his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "It's really great to sleep, I know," she said with a chuckle. "But you gotta wake up. You gotta keep fighting. You gotta be strong. With all of what's happened, you are, like, the miracle of all this. When you wake up, you're gonna become someone they will look up to because you survived. Besides... Joe needs you... Iris needs you... Everyone needs you..."

She trailed off, looking sadly at Barry. She had repeated the same words to him everyday for nine months. A futile attempt to wake him up and Alex doesn't know why she keeps on doing it. As she was about to let go of his hand, she felt a weak sort of movement coming from Barry's hand.

Alex's eyes widened. "Barry?" she called him.

Squeeze.

Alex let out a gasp of surprise. She leaned towards Barry to see if what she felt was real. "Barry, squeeze my hand if you can hear me," she said to him.

Squeeze.

Tears streamed down her face as she let out a laugh of happiness. She took her phone out of her pocket and called Dr. Wells.

"Dr. Wells,” she began. “Please come to S.T.A.R Labs immediately. I think Barry’s waking up.”

“Oh my...” said Wells. “Stay by his side, alright? I’ll call Cisco and Dr. Snow.”

“Alright. Bye,” said Alex before hanging up

She put her phone on the side table and held Barry's hand with a smile. She reached out to touch his face gently and she swore she saw the corners of Barry's lips turn up into a slight smile.

"Finally," she whispered with a smile.

After she dressed up, Caitlin, Cisco, and Dr. Wells arrived at S.T.A.R Labs. Caitlin immediately got to work by preparing all the medical tools she needed for Barry's awakening. Alex stood at the side while Cisco ran off somewhere for a moment to go on his computer.

"What are you doing?" asked Alex.

"Finding something to wake him up," answered Cisco.

Alex walked towards him and peered over his shoulder. "His Facebook? Really?" she asked with one eyebrow raised.

"Come on. I gotta set the mood."

Cisco started playing Poker Face and the two went back to Barry. Alex rolled her eyes at the song choice.

"What are you doing?" asked Caitlin.

"He likes this song."

"How could you possibly know that?"

"Cisco stalked his Facebook," answered Alex.

"I mean he can hear everything, right?" Cisco said back.

"Auditory functions are the last sensory faculties to degenerate," said Caitlin.

Cisco went back to his computer while singing the lyrics. As Alex was about to follow him, a loud gasp startles her, making her turn around.

Barry was finally awake.

"Oh my God!" exclaimed Cisco and Alex.

"Where am I?" was the first thing Barry said after his long coma. His eyes were wide and looking around.

"He's up," Caitlin said as she rushed towards him with her penlight.

"Dr. Wells, get down to the cortex, like right now!" Cisco called through the comm. He ran back to Barry, who was being checked by Caitlin and Alex.

"110, pulse 120. Pupils equally reactive to light..." Caitlin said while Barry was trying to get up. "Look at me. Look at me."

"Caitlin, hold on," said Alex as she pulled Caitlin's hand away. "He just woke up."

"Barry," she called him, gently holding his shoulders down. Barry looked at Alex and stared into her eyes, which seemed to calm him as he stopped struggling and sat back down on the bed.

"Alex?" he said with a sigh.

"Yeah, it's me," answered Alex with a smile. "Calm down, okay? You're fine. Just let us check on you."

Barry nodded and took Alex's hand when she offered it. She helped him stand up and sat him down on a chair. Caitlin proceeded to check his vital signs and Cisco went to them.

"Where am I?" asked Barry.

"You're in S.T.A.R Labs," answered Cisco.

"S.T.A.R Labs..." Barry trailed off. "Who are you?"

"I'm Cisco Ramon. She's Dr. Caitlin Snow," Cisco introduced himself and Caitlin. "You probably already met Alex."

Caitlin went to the group with a cup. "I need you to urinate in this--" she said before being interrupted by Alex.

"Caitlin, let him breathe first," said Alex.

"What is happening?" asked Barry. "What's going on?"

"You were struck by lightning, dude," said Cisco with a smile.

"What?" Barry said quietly and then he caught his reflection on the monitor. He stood up and walked towards it, staring at his body.

"Lightning gave me... abs?" he asked, the question directed more to himself.

Caitlin walked towards Barry. "Your muscles should be atrophied but instead they're in a chronic and unexplained state of cellular regeneration," she said.

Alex walked towards the two and gently held Barry's arm. "Come on, have a seat," she said and led him to sit down. She also gave him a S.T.A.R Labs sweater for him to cover up.

"You were in a coma," she started.

"How long?" he asked.

As Alex was about to answer, a voice answered instead. "Nine months," it said.

The group turned to the voice and it was Harrison Wells wheeling into the Cortex. "Welcome back, Mr. Allen. We have a lot to discuss," he said.

#the flash #fanfic #barry allen #iris west #cisco ramon #caitlin snow #joe west #harrison wells #eobard thawne #original character #series #arrowverse #cw series

[pastel-kinana]

heart out || barry allen [v]

// chapter v: the warehouse attack //

PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER  ||  MASTERLIST

Many weeks later, Barry was still in a coma and Alex did her best to take care of him as she was told to do. And as promised, she also worked shifts at the hospital. Her new normal involved a lot more work and secrecy. Wells told Alex to keep her work in S.T.A.R Labs a secret and only give general answers to whoever asked, including Rosie. 

Today, Wells had called Alex to work for a full day. "This will be your first assignment aside from, of course, taking care of Mr. Allen," he said.

"What do you want me to do?" asked Alex.

"Since we are short of... a lot of employees, mind giving a helping hand to Cisco and Caitlin in clearing out our warehouse in Starling City?" asked Wells

"Not at all," Alex answered. "When do we leave?"

"In a bit," said Caitlin as she entered the Cortex dressed in her coat. "You ready?"

Alex looked down at her outfit. She was already dressed in her fitted grey long-sleeved shirt, black jeans, and boots. Everything had been topped off with her navy blue coat and black bag. She looked back up at Caitlin and said, "Ready to go."

“I’ll take care of Barry for the meantime,” said Wells.

She, Caitlin, and Cisco drove a van to Starling City. When the van had passed the welcome sign at the highway, Alex felt a wave of nostalgia hit her. She was born in Starling City. It was a dangerous city but it was her home and it held some of the most beautiful memories she had. At least, the earliest memories were the most beautiful unlike the latter.

- - - - - - - - - - - 

"Jung-hwa," her mother sweetly called her by her Korean name. "Come here, darling. I made sandwiches for you."

Four-year-old Alex, who was colouring in her colouring book on the floor of the living room, put her crayon away and got up. She ran to her mother in the dining room and hugged her leg. With a chuckle, her mother picked her up and sat her in her chair. Alex's mother made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with milk and Alex wasted no time in digging in. While she was eating, the door of their house opened.

"I'm home," Alex's father said from the hallway.

"We're in here, honey," said Alex's mother.

The tall man walked to the dining room, loosening his tie. His slightly tired expression turned warm as he saw his wife and daughter. He sat down and he was also served with his own plate of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

"How was work?" asked Alex's mother.

"It was good but I wanted to go home early," said Alex's father as he took a bite of one of the sandwiches on his plate.

Little Alex stopped eating to get off her chair and go to the living room to get something. She came back to the dining room and went to her father.

"Daddy," she said and gave him a piece of paper.

Alex's father looked at his daughter with an adoring smile and he saw her drawing of the whole Lee family. There was him, his wife, Alex in between them, and their house under the sun.

"That's beautiful," he complimented and he carried her onto his lap.

"For you," said Alex.

Alex's father chuckled. "Thank you, sweetie," he said. "I'm gonna keep it with me forever."

- - - - - - - - - - - 

Alex smiled sadly at the memory and tried to fight back the tears.

"Alex," she heard Caitlin's voice call her, snapping her out of her thoughts. Alex turned to Caitlin, who was looking at her strangely with a pen in her hand.

"Yeah?" asked Alex.

"I asked if you could help me with the paperwork here," said Caitlin.

"Right," said Alex sheepishly. "Sorry."

Alex sat down and started helping Caitlin with the paperwork. Then, Caitlin sat next to her. “You’ve been really quiet since we got here. What’s wrong?” she asked.

“It’s nothing,” said Alex.

“Are you sure?” asked Caitlin.

“Yeah, Caitlin,” answered Alex. “I’m fine. Really.”

Caitlin just stayed silent and nodded, doing the paperwork in her hands. Cisco came out from one of the halls and said with pride, "The combined inventory of every scientist who ever worked at S.T.A.R. Labs. All housed right in here. I hereby christen this building 'da bomb.'"

"Nobody says that anymore," said Caitlin.

"I say it," Cisco said back. 

“Kinda lame, if you ask me,” said Alex.

"I define my own cool,” Cisco retorted.

Alex just rolled her eyes and went back to do the paperwork. She tried to focus solely on it, trying to block the memory that kept replaying in her head as well as the conversation Caitlin and Cisco were having. As she was writing away, she heard footsteps. She stopped what she was doing and looked up at her two friends.

"What was that?" she asked as she got up from her chair.

“What?” asked Cisco.

“Footsteps,” answered Alex.

The footsteps started to get louder. "I thought we were the only ones here," said Caitlin, who now heard them.

"Maybe it was one of the security guards," said Cisco.

The two girls followed Cisco as he was looking for the source of the sound. They stopped when they saw one of the security guards standing in the hall.

"Oh. Hey, man," Cisco told him. "We should be wrapped up any minute now."

The guard was unresponsive, staring at the three strangely. Cisco's smile faded as he asked the two girls, "You getting a bad vibe off this guy?"

Alex and Caitlin looked at him before turning to the guard. Suddenly, he started coughing out blood. Alex stumbled backwards in horror as the man dropped to the floor, killed with a knife on his back. What was behind the security guard before was now revealed. It was a tall, heavily-armored figure wearing a helmet painted orange on the right and black on the left. The armored man whipped out a gun from the holster on his hip, ready to strike.

"Shit," Alex said as she and her friends started running.

A string of curses continuously escaped Alex's lips as she and her friends are being chased by a terrifying armored man. Her mind was clouded and adrenaline was rushing through her veins. She didn't care if she got lost with Cisco and Caitlin in the maze called a warehouse. It was all about not getting killed.

Cisco suddenly stopped, shivering in his place. They were face to face with the armored man again after running in circles.

"Shit..." Cisco whimpered.

The armored man was inching closer to them. He was walking slow, savoring the fear creeping up on his three victims.

What to do?! Alex thought.

In her peripheral vision, Alex saw a steel rod just a few feet on their left. Just at the sight of it, she was already thinking.

Are you crazy?! she yelled at herself in her head.

As the seconds were passing by, she was leaning on to the choice of doing something stupid. That's it. I'm calling it, she thought and then whispered to her friends, "When I say 'run,' you two run to your left."

"What?" Caitlin asked shakily.

"Just do as I say!" she whisper-yelled.

When the armored man was halfway there, Alex yelled, "Run!"

Caitlin took Cisco's hand and they ran to the left. Alex followed and picked up the steel rod. "Keep running!" she told them and slowed down, steel rod in hand and ready for the risk she was about to take.

She came to a full stop and turned around, breathing heavily. She gripped the steel rod tightly as she saw the armored man walking towards her.

"Silly girl," he sneered. "Are you capable enough to fight me?"

"If it's worth saving my friends, then bring it on... dickhead," she answered.

The armored man let out a low grunt. He charged at Alex, taking heavy and dangerous steps towards her. Alex readied her weapon.

Wait for it, a voice from a distant memory said to her. Wait until he's near enough to strike you.

The armored man was now running towards her with his knife and gun ready. Alex remained calm, ready for the kill.

Now! the voice yelled and Alex ran swiftly past him, delivering a heavy blow on his side.

Alex slid and caught herself to prevent clumsily rolling on the floor. She turned back to the armored man, who was stunned at what she did. As he tried getting back up, she charged at him. He fired his gun at her only to miss a few times. Alex returned his attack by striking at him multiple times swiftly with the steel rod. Her mind was only focused on throwing him off his game and her body followed, moving out of memory.

Though she was smaller than him, she completely surprised him and he was unable to look for a weak spot on her. The armored man tried to charge his knife at her which she successfully dodged and knocked out of his grip. As the final move, she struck his helmet, which created a dent. The armored man fell to his side in shock and pain.

"Alex!" she heard her Caitlin's voice.

Alex turned around and saw Caitlin rushing towards her. "Come on!" yelled Caitlin.

Alex dropped the rod and immediately ran to where her Caitlin was leading her. They ended up in a restricted area where Cisco was standing by. Caitlin unlocked the metal gate with her key card and opened it.

"Help me," she said as she entered with Cisco and Alex at her tail.

"This equipment belonged to Arthur Light," she continued as she led them to a wooden box. "Wells fired him two years ago."

"Why?" asked Cisco.

"Because he was a psycho," answered Caitlin as she opened the box to reveal a special gun. "Please tell me you can make this work."

Cisco said no more and started working on the gun. Alex and Caitlin kept an eye on the unlocked gate in case the armored man caught up. As Cisco was finished, the familiar heavy footsteps grew louder and louder. Alex told Cisco and Caitlin to hide to prepare for the attack. Then, the armored man was there. He saw Alex standing inside the metal box, waiting for him.

"You're not so silly after all," he said and he unsheathed his katana. "But reckless enough to meet your death."

"Now!" Alex yelled and jumped out of the way.

Cisco got out of his hiding spot and fired the gun at the armored man. The blast knocked the armored man backwards with a groan. Cisco dropped the gun with a yelp and Caitlin ran to the exit, unlocking it with her card. The trio ran to the exit and they immediately headed to the lobby.

Alex slowed down and her ears were ringing. She plopped down onto the couch, knees weakening. Cisco and Caitlin were reporting the incident at the front desk but Alex didn't care. She did that tonight to save her friends. She thought she had forgotten but the memories resurfaced naturally as she fought the armored man. Her body still knew what it had to do in those kinds of situations. She felt relief but at the same time, the memories pained her.

Caitlin saw Alex looking at the floor and breathing slowly but heavily. "Alex," she called gently as she sat down next to her, rubbing her back. "You okay?"

Alex couldn't speak but Caitlin didn't push her to speak. When the cops arrived, Cisco asked for a blanket. He went to Alex and wrapped the blanket around her. She looked up at him with a smile.

"Thank you," she said softly.

"No problem, Alex," he said.

Felicity Smoak and John Diggle arrived to ask Cisco and Caitlin about what happened. Alex told them to talk to them, saying she'll be fine by herself for a bit. As the four were talking to each other about the incident, Alex kept hearing the voice in her head and she kept on seeing images of the past.

Well done, the voice said. You remembered.

#the flash #fanfic #barry allen #iris west #cisco ramon #caitlin snow #joe west #harrison wells #eobard thawne #series #arrowverse

[pastel-kinana]

heart out || barry allen [iv]

// chapter iv: the send-off //

PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER  ||  MASTERLIST

When Alex was hired as Barry's nurse, Wells ensured that she'd still be working at the hospital. He negotiated with Rosie Hidalgo and some hospital authorities regarding Alex working hours. It was agreed that she will now work 8-hour shifts everyday and would be called to work a full-day at S.T.A.R Labs if needed.

“Are you sure you can handle it?” Rosie asked her. “I mean, this Wells is now hated by everyone because of what he did and now you’re gonna work for him to help a stranger.”

“As long as I’m helping Barry,” Alex reassured.

“I know how much you care about helping people, Alex,” said Rosie. “And I know how much you care about Barry Allen.”

“I’ll be okay, Rosie. You’re still gonna see me.”

Rosie just smiled and hugged Alex, the latter returning the gesture. She pulled away and sent Alex off on her first day in S.T.A.R Labs. It was the day that Barry gets transferred to S.T.A.R Labs. Harrison Wells wheeled in the hospital along with two others. Alex was waiting in Barry’s room along with Joe West when they arrived.

“Good morning, Detective West,” said Harrison to Joe and then he turned to Alex. “Good morning, Ms. Lee.”

Joe and Alex nodded at his greeting. He then continued, “With me are my co-workers Dr. Caitlin Snow and Cisco Ramon. They will be assisting me in taking care of Barry Allen.”

“Detective Joe West, CCPD and Barry’s guardian,” Joe introduced himself.

“Dr. Snow, Cisco, this is Ms. Alexandra Lee,” Wells gestured towards Alex. “She will be working as Mr. Allen’s nurse and she will assist us in taking care of him.”

“It’s just ‘Alex,’” said Alex as she extended her hand. “Pleased to meet you.”

Cisco was the first to approach her. “Nice to meet you, Alexandra,” he chirped with a somewhat flirty smile, making Alex chuckle a bit at what he’s trying to do.

“Nice to meet you too, Alex,” said Caitlin, who was rather distant and Alex noticed it but chose to roll along with it.

After the introductions, they began moving Barry to the ambulance that would take him to S.T.A.R Labs. Cisco, Caitlin, and Wells walked in front and Alex was helping other nurses in pushing the gurney and carrying the equipment. 

At the front of the crowd, the three scientists were conversing. “Are you sure about hiring a random nurse to work with us?” asked Caitlin.

“I mean Wells showed us her credentials,” answered Cisco. “Plus, she’s hot.”

“I’m not ignoring her achievements but still, we don’t really know her that well and her connection to Barry Allen,” said Caitlin.

“She’s special,” said Wells. “I know it.”

“You’re the boss,” said Caitlin.

Then, Barry was carried into the ambulance and Alex sat next to him. Caitlin, Cisco, and Wells were in a van in front of the ambulance to lead it to S.T.A.R Labs. After a while, they arrived and they brought Barry in the Cortex. Alex was amazed at the futuristic S.T.A.R Labs. It was filled with equipment that she had never seen before and she thought that she might damage them with one wrong touch.

“For your first assignment, Ms. Lee, is to get to know the place and how to use the equipment,” said Wells. “You’ll be assisting Dr. Snow in knowing your way around.”

“Alright, thanks, Dr. Wells,” said Alex.

Wells wheeled away somewhere else and Cisco went back to work. Caitlin showed Alex how to use the medical equipment in S.T.A.R Labs and the former was surprised on how she was a quick study. The two girls finished up in preparing Barry for the machines. Caitlin checked his vitals and Alex noted them down on the clipboard.

“So how do you know Barry?” asked Caitlin.

“I bumped into him in CCPD on the day the particle accelerator went online,” answered Alex. “I was dropping off my neighbor’s lunch.”

“You don’t really know him?” asked Caitlin.

“Not really,” answered Alex. “Iris told me a lot about him but then again, I never really got to know him personally.”

Caitlin was just silent and then Alex continued, “Also, I still don’t know why Dr. Wells wanted me to be his nurse when I never really got to know Barry and I’m not as good as you guys.”

Cisco then interrupted them, “Hey, don’t say that!”

“How long have you been listening to us?” asked Caitlin.

“I was just over there doing my business and then I heard our newbie putting herself down,” answered Cisco.

“I’m serious,” said Alex. “I’m just a nurse.”

“No, you’re not just a nurse,” said Cisco. “You’re a Hudson girl, constant dean’s lister, and one of the highest candidates of the nursing licensure exam.”

“You also did background research on me?” asked Alex, taken aback.

“Well...” said Caitlin. “We had to know who we’re gonna work with.”

Cisco just gave Alex a sheepish smile. The latter just sighed and said, “I can’t blame you.”

“What we’re saying is that Dr. Wells chose you for a reason,” said Caitlin. “And he saw the talent you have.”

Alex just shrugged. “I guess so,” she said but she also felt that there was more to why Wells chose her.

Caitlin and Cisco just nodded. “Well, it’s almost lunch and I wanna get some Big Belly Burger. You girls want one?” Cisco quipped.

“I’m gonna go get something from Jitters instead,” said Caitlin.

“I’ll get a triple cheeseburger and a strawberry milkshake,” said Alex. “I’ll pay you when you get back. I’m just gonna stay here and watch Barry.”

Cisco smiled. “You got it,” he said before he left with Caitlin.

Alex just smiled and went to sit next to Barry. She developed the habit of nonchalantly talking to him even if he was in a coma. She thought that it would make him feel better that he has someone there next to him.

“Hey, Barry,” she greeted him.

“You’re now in S.T.A.R Labs... where everything is basically the future,” she said.

“I hope you wake up soon... Your family misses you so much. They’re gonna be so happy when you come back.”

Alex tried to hold his hand but instead she felt a spark of electricity, making her hand jerk back. There was another spark coming from his hand, making Alex more confused.

What’s happening to Barry?

#the flash #cw series #fanfic #barry allen #iris west #cisco ramon #caitlin snow #harrison wells #eobard thawne #series #arrowverse

[pastel-kinana]

heart out || barry allen [iii]

// chapter iii: the call to help //

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After Barry was admitted to the hospital, Alex always made sure that she would check on him at least once everyday. It sounds weird even for her but she had grown to care for him even if she had only known him for a little while. While taking care of Barry, she got closer to Iris, who visited him a lot. She also got to meet Iris’ father, Joe West, who was a detective in the CCPD. She saw how much they care about Barry and it made her heart break a little. 

Alex wished someone cared for her like that...

It was 8pm, one hour left until Alex's shift ends. After making her rounds in the paediatric ward, she goes to Barry's room. When she entered, she saw Joe sleeping on the chair. Alex took his blazer that was next to him and covered him with it. Then, she went over to Barry. She first checked his pulse, blood pressure, and the EKG for his heartbeat.

"Nothing out of the ordinary so far," she said to him. "Hopefully you don't get a cardiac arrest again."

She smiled sadly after realising that Barry was unconscious and just sat next to him on the bed. She studied his face and brushed away stray strands of hair away. He looked peaceful and angelic to her. All she was thinking about at that moment was that he didn't deserve to be in this state and that one day he will wake up.

"Alex?" she heard someone call her.

Alex immediately stood up and saw Iris, who was here to visit Barry again. Iris smiled at Alex and said, "Hey. How's he holding up?"

"Vitals are good. He's strong," answered Alex.

"Thank you, Alex," said Iris as she went to Alex and held her hand. "For taking care of him."

"I'm glad I could help," said Alex.

Iris let go of Alex's hand to wake up her father. "Dad," she said and Joe woke up. "It's been three weeks. You barely eat or sleep. You should probably go home at some point."

"Hey, baby," he said groggily as he saw his daughter. "I'll go home when Barry goes home."

As Joe was about to greet Alex, the EKG started beeping and Barry was convulsing. "Oh my God, oh my God," Iris muttered panicking.

Alex hurriedly pushed the emergency button and opened the door. "Code blue! I need a doctor here! We got a code blue!" she yelled.

"You said he was stable," Iris said to Alex, who was just as confused. "Barry! Oh my God..."

Then, Dr. Reed and a few other nurses hurriedly went into Barry's room. "I need the room," said the doctor as he pulls Joe aside. "Let's go! I need the room."

Alex assisted Dr. Reed by removing Barry's pillow so he lays flat on the bed. "How can he be seizing?" a bewildered Dr. Reed asks. "He has no heart rhythm."

"Starting compressions," Alex said to Dr. Reed and she puts her hands on his chest to start compressions.

Joe and Iris had left the room and everyone left were trying their best to revive Barry. Alex was doing compressions the best she can and Dr. Reed defibrillated him. This continued for quite some time until Barry had a stable heartbeat again. Alex and the others let out a breath of relief. After gently laying Barry's head on his pillow, Alex exited the room, exhausted physically and mentally from today's events. She had been emotional when patients were in a critical state but not like this. She wanted to cry not just for Barry but for everything that happened at the night of the accelerator explosion. Many people injured and people also died that night.

With a pained sigh, she removed her ponytail, letting her hair cascade down her shoulders. She removed her gloves and stuffed them in her pocket. She leaned her head on the wall behind her, trying to calm down.

"Good job you did back there," a voice said, snapping Alex out of her little world. She turned and saw Harrison Wells in his wheelchair wheeling towards her.

He gave her a close-lipped smile and said, "You probably already know me but for the sake of formalities, I'm Harrison Wells."

“I know who you are,” said Alex. "What are you doing here, if I may ask?"

"You see, Ms. Alexandra Lee," Wells began. "Since the night of the explosion, many things have happened that I want to find out. Barry Allen is one of them."

"What makes him important to you?" asked Alex.

"Mr. Allen was struck by not just regular lightning. The lightning that struck him was infused with dark matter from the explosion. When he was admitted, he was already a strange case because he survived from being struck by lightning. He also had days where he suddenly goes into cardiac arrest and flatlines. That's because the technology in the hospital isn't enough to keep him stable."

"And you think you can make him better?"

"Yes," answered Wells. "I have the tools that will solve whatever is happening in his body. Ms. Lee, I can save his life and his foster father, Detective Joe West, already approved in letting me move him to S.T.A.R Labs. If I may, I would like to ask a favour of you."

Wendy paid more attention now. "What favour?" she asked.

"I want you to be Mr. Allen's nurse in S.T.A.R Labs," he answered.

Taken aback, Alex asked him, "M-me? Why me?"

Wells chuckled and said, "You see, Ms. Lee, I keep an eye out for promising talents in the field of science. You graduated from St. Albert Science High School and top of your class. You have a bachelor's degree in nursing with a minor in chemistry and a constant dean's lister. Your research papers about nuclear chemistry and food chemistry were highly praised by your professors, some who I know personally. You were recommended by your professors to pursue chemistry because of your potential but you chose to be a nurse instead. You also passed the nursing licensure exam as one of the highest candidates."

Creepy, Alex thought.

"You are more than enough to be qualified," Wells continued. "Please, Ms. Lee. It's not only my intuition that I chose you to aid him. I know Mr. Allen wouldn't want anyone else to aid him other than you. So, what do you say?"

Alex was silent. Something was off with Wells when he explained to her why she was needed. But if it meant helping Barry...

She sighed and said, "Okay."

#the flash #cw series #fanfic #barry allen #iris west #cisco ramon #caitlin snow #joe west #harrison wells #eobard thawne #original character #series #arrowverse

[pastel-kinana]

heart out || barry allen [ii]

// chapter ii: the storm //

PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER  || MASTERLIST

"So, Barry, how was your trip? Did you find proof of the impossible in Starling City, or did you just make my dad mad for no reason?" Iris asked Barry with a laugh as they were walking to S.T.A.R Labs.

"Actually, while I was away I had a chance to think about... you know, relationships. How I'm not in one, and how you're not in one either. And you're my best friend, Iris," answered Barry as they stopped walking.

"You're mine, too. Why else would I be here?" said Iris.

"That's not what I meant. What I meant--" said Barry, stumbling over his words.

"I know what you're gonna say, Barry," Iris interrupted.

"I'm not sure you do," said Barry.

"Even though we pretty much grew up in the same house together, and we're kind of like brother and sister, because we're not brother and sister, it can get really weird and awkward. But I just want you to know that it shouldn't be awkward. There is nothing I want more than for you to meet the right person that totally loves and adores you for the amazing guy that you are," said Iris.

Barry suddenly felt like frowning. This was the right moment to tell Iris but then she says this and the smile she gave him didn't help at all. "Took the words right out of my mouth," he said, smiling to hide what he really felt.

Iris smiled wider and nudged him. "Aww, aren't you glad I know you so well?" she said. "Speaking of knowing you so well, what went on in your head when you saw her?"

"Saw who?" asked Barry.

"Alex. Who else would it be?" answered Iris in a 'duh' tone.

"You're at it again," said Barry as he shook his head.

"What do you mean?" asked Iris.

"Playing matchmaker," answered Barry. "To save all your questions, no, I don't like Alex like that. I mean, I just met her."

"Come on, Barry. You were staring at her longer than how a normal person should stare at someone. When you talked to her, you suddenly couldn't speak English," said Iris, raising one eyebrow.

"I don't know..." was what all Barry said, avoiding Iris' gaze as he felt his face heat up.

The moment she looked into his eyes after bumping into him, Alex made Barry feel things. He reacted the same way guys would if they meet her. She's really pretty after all (and Barry's face heated up more when he just called her pretty in his head). His heart started to beat a bit faster when she smiled at him and he wanted to hit himself after looking like an idiot in front of her. And why was he feeling like this when he likes someone else?

"Barry," Iris began and put her hand on his shoulder. "If I were a guy, I'm pretty sure I'd find her cute too and I'd think of getting her number. Go after her if she's not getting out of your head any time soon."

"I told you I just met her," said Barry, shaking his head.

"One day, you're gonna be regretting not asking her out," said Iris.

Then, the audience around them started clapping as Harrison Wells came out on stage. Barry couldn't help but clap as well with a grin on his face.

"Thank you. My name is Harrison Wells. Tonight, the future begins. The work my team and I will do here will change our understanding of physics. It will bring out advancements in power, advancements in medicine... Trust me, that future will be here faster than you think," said Harrison Wells.

While Harrison Wells was delivering his speech, a man passes by Iris and grabs her bag, running away with it. Alarmed, Iris turned around and exclaimed, "No!"

She nudges Barry, the latter turning to her in alarm. "Hey, my laptop! It's got my dissertation."

Immediately, Barry began to run after him. "Stop!" he shouted at the thief, who only ran faster.

"I'm sorry!" he says as he bumped into someone and continued chasing the thief.

Barry went around the corner and got hit, making him fall. The thief looked at him and Barry got up. "Alright, kid, you don't have to do this alright? Just give me back my friend's bag and we'll call it even. Okay?" he said.

The thief stared down at him and hit him again, sending Barry to the wall. As the thief ran away, Iris came to catch up and sees Barry on the ground. "Barry!" she exclaims.

The thief, thinking he was safe, jumped over the fence only to be stopped by a voice. "Police! Freeze. Or do you want to find out the hard that you're not faster than a bullet?" it said.

Iris and Barry were back at the CCPD after being 'saved' by Eddie Thawne or 'Detective Pretty Boy' as Joe called him. After Iris went home, Barry, sporting a bloody nose, went back to his lab. The TV was playing the news channel, broadcasting the events happening in S.T.A.R Labs. While the reporter was chatting away, Barry, with a pained frown, pulls up the map on his whiteboard to reveal cutouts that were all about his mother and her murder. Not wanting to feel more pain, he distracts himself by watching the news broadcast.

"Wait, we're now being told to evacuate the facility. The storm may have caused a malfunction in the primary cooling system. The officials are now trying to shut down the particle accelerator but so far have been unable to regain control of the--" said the surprised reporter and the signal was cut.

Alarmed, Barry looked up from the TV and his eyes widened as he saw an explosion right where S.T.A.R Labs was. Then, he saw the liquid chemicals in the beakers rise and the eerily familiar image sent a shiver down his spine. He immediately goes to the chains connecting to the roof of his office and pulled on them, closing the windows to shield him from the blast that now expanded throughout Central City. An ear-piercing shatter from above caused Barry to look up and the last thing he saw was a bolt of lightning that descended onto him violently.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

“What’s wrong with this TV?” Rosie complained as the TV by the nurse’s desk was being faulty.

Alex was also watching the TV. She was already dressed in her coat and she had her bag with her. She figured that she could stay for a while and watch the particle accelerator go online. She heard about Harrison Wells and his work. In her opinion, he was an extraordinary man who broke the limitations of science. Tonight, his most-awaited invention, the particle accelerator, is going to change many things.

Then, the signal from the TV was cut. The coffee from Rosie’s mug that was just on the nurse’s desk rise up from the brim and float in the air. The water from a glass a doctor had in his hand did the same. Alex stumbled back in shock at the scene. Suddenly, the TV signal was back on and the headline changed to something shocking: MASSIVE EXPLOSION FROM S.T.A.R LABS PARTICLE ACCELERATOR.

“What the hell...” Alex said under her breath.

All telephones in Central City Hospital started ringing. Rosie answered one of the telephones on the nurse’s desk. The other telephone on the desk rang and Alex immediately answered it.

“Central City Hospital,” said Alex.

“We got three injured just within the vicinity of S.T.A.R Labs,” the officer on the other line said. “We’re headed to Central City Hospital via ambulance in ten.”

“Alright,” said Alex before hanging up.

She ran back to the locker rooms. She opened her locker and unceremoniously shoved in her bag and coat in it. Like earlier, she put her pen and penlight in her breast pocket and then closed her locker. While running out and convening with the rest of the nursing department, she was tying up her hair that she let down earlier. 

All the nurses were huddling up for the game plan. "Alright, we got a surge of calls bringing in a lot of people after what happened tonight," said Rosie to everyone in the nursing department. "I'm dividing all of you into teams so we can get everyone smoothly."

Rosie assigned a team of nurses on standby at the emergency room and another team at the reception area. Some nurses went to the different wards to take care of in-house patients and get ready for the incoming patients to be moved from the emergency room to their assigned wards. Alex was assigned to the team of nurses who would be assigned to the incoming ambulances. The Ambulance Team divided among themselves on who will attend to each ambulance and Alex was to wait for the last ambulance.

The wave of patients coming into the hospital grew slowly but dangerously. More and more injured were sent to the emergency room and the doctors and nurses were busily transferring some of the patients to either surgery or in another ward. Alex watched the scene play and her heart started to beat really loudly in her chest as panic and worry were slowly consuming her. She had hectic days at the hospital where so many people were rushed to the emergency room but not like this. Tonight was something more than just a hectic night and if there was anything that Wendy learned in life, it was to trust her gut.

"Last ambulance!" one nurse called, bringing Alex back from her own little world. Alex and one doctor, Dr. Reed, ran to the doors as they burst open and paramedics were wheeling in an unconscious man. She got a good look at his face and her eyes widened.

Barry.

"What happened to him?" asked Dr. Reed. He and Alex joined in helping them wheel the patient into the hospital.

"He was hit by lightning," said one of the paramedics.

"How's he still alive?" the other said in disbelief.

They were joined by the other doctors to bring him to a room. As they were running, Alex couldn't help but feel her heart clench at the sight of Barry. She had just met him and thought that he's a great guy. It was painful to see him like this but Alex had to keep calm and help him. Once they entered an empty room, they transferred Barry onto the hospital bed. Alex's eyes widened when the EKG showed a flat line.

"Go. No heartbeat. CBC Chem 24. Flatline!" Dr. Reed said and Alex hurriedly prepared the defibrillator for him. While the device was charging, she heard a familiar voice amidst the doctors and nurses urgently talking to each other.

"I'm family!" the voice cried.

Iris.

In her peripheral vision, Alex saw a nurse trying to keep Iris away, which pained her even more. When the defibrillator was charged, Dr. Reed exclaimed, "Clear!"

Barry's body jerked from the shock but was still unresponsive and flatlining. After a while of defibrillating him, his heartbeat came back and Alex felt a big weight lifting off her shoulders. The nurses with her gave each other pats on the shoulders for a job well done. Iris stopped crying and just stayed by the door, hoping her best friend was gonna be okay.

Alex walked towards Iris and the latter looked at her with surprise and worry mixed together. "Alex! Oh my god..." Iris exclaimed as she wiped her tears. "Is he gonna be okay?"

“He’s stable now,” answered Alex. “He’s gonna be okay.”

“Thank you,” Iris sobbed. “Thank you so much!”

Alex smiled at Iris and was thankful that Barry was okay but the fact that Barry was able to survive after being hit by lightning still boggled her.

#the flash #cw series #fanfic #barry allen #iris west #cisco ramon #caitlin snow #joe west #harrison wells #eobard thawne #original character #series #arrowverse

[pastel-kinana]

heart out || barry allen [i]

// chapter i: chance encounter //

PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER  || MASTERLIST

At the sound of her alarm, Alex woke up with a groan. Her eyes fluttered open and she pushed her blanket away from her body. She got out of bed and walked to the covered windows. In one go, Alex opened the curtains and flinched as she got a full blast of sunlight. Now, she was fully awake, rather rudely awakened by the sun.

"Why do I keep doing that to myself?" she grimaced.

Well, she is a nurse doing 12-hour shifts and she has to be at the hospital by 9am. It was now 8am and Alex proceeded to the bathroom to get ready. She did her usual morning ritual: take a shower, brush her teeth, do her skincare routine, and dress into her nurse's scrubs. After dressing up, Alex fixed herself a Nutella sandwich, finding no time at all to make a fancier breakfast. With the sandwich hanging from her mouth, she proceeded to put on her sneakers and pack her wallet, phone, and keys in her bag.

Alex wore her coat and swung her bag onto her shoulder before heading out the door. Central City Hospital was one bus ride away from her apartment complex so she was able to reach the hospital in ten minutes. She entered the hospital. She clocked in her time card and then went to the lockers to drop her things. Before closing the locker door, she tied up her long dark hair in a ponytail and put her pen and penlight in her breast pocket.

“Showtime,” she said and then went to start her shift.

The whole morning part of the hospital went on as usual. Alex worked and sped along in the emergency room, attending to incoming patients. Then, she went to check on the patients in the paediatric ward, cheering up the sick and injured kids who were whining about being in the hospital. After spending time with the kids, she did rounds in the general ward and in the ICU before it was lunch time.

“He’s strong,” said Alex to an ICU patient’s relative. “I’m sure he’ll wake up soon as the doctor said.”

The relative, the mother of the patient, nodded with a smile and sat down as she watched her son, who was in a coma. Before leaving the room, Alex sadly smiled at them, hoping that the patient does wake up to see his mother by his side. As Alex was leaving, she was spotted by Rosie Hidalgo, the head nurse and Alex’s only friend in the hospital.

“Hey there, Alex,” said Rosie with a smile.

“Hey, Rosie,” said Alex, returning the smile.

Rosie Hidalgo was an older woman with a husband and two kids of her own. She was the first to welcome Alex at the latter’s first day in the hospital. A lot of the nurses and doctors were welcoming to Alex because she was new. The other nurses her age would always ask her to hang out with them after work but Alex always politely declined, preferring to spend time at home. Rosie understood this unlike the other nurses who called Alex ‘boring.’ Hence, Alex only talked to Rosie after that and the two became good friends. 

“Hungry?” asked Rosie.

“Starving,” answered Alex.

“Let’s hope they got something good at the cafeteria,” said Rosie. “I just want a burger and not another salad.”

“Salads are good for you, you know?”

“Yeah but there is always a better salad,” said Rosie. “I’m just tired of the Caesar Salad that they always give me.”

Alex shook her head with a smile. “Come on, Rose,” she said. “Let’s eat.”

As the pair were walking to the cafeteria, a voice called. "Alex!" it said.

Alex turned around and saw Mrs. Nesbitt, her neighbour. "Hey, Mrs. Nesbitt," she said and walked to the older lady.

"Good thing I found you. I'm here for my physical and while I was getting ready, Albert forgot his lunch again. Could you be a dear and give him his lunch for me? I'm running a bit late," asked Mrs. Nesbitt.

Alex took the paper bag containing the lunch Mrs. Nesbitt prepared and said, "Yeah, yeah. Sure I can get it to him."

"Thank you so much, Alex. Sorry for bothering you," said Mrs. Nesbitt.

"It's fine," said Alex. She was partially not since she was really hungry. 

Mrs. Nesbitt smiled and left to go to her physical. Rosie looked at her and asked, “Want me to get you a take-out from the cafeteria?”

“No, it’s ok,” Alex assured. “After I give Mr. Nesbitt his lunch, I’ll get something along the way. No need to wait for me.”

“You sure, sweetie?” asked Rosie.

“Yeah, I’m sure,” answered Alex. “Go eat something. I’ll be fine.”

“Alright. See you, Alex.”

With the paper bag in her hand, Alex went to her locker to get her coat and wallet. She headed out of the hospital and made her way to CCPD. She felt a bit nervous going in with some officers expecting her to file a complaint or something when she was supposed to be dropping off her neighbour's lunch. With a breath, she entered the building went up the elevator to the main office of CCPD. In the middle of walking out of the elevator, she had bumped into someone.

"I'm so sorry."

"I'm so sorry."

Good thing the paper bag was safe and sound. Alex looked up and was met with a tall man with probably the most beautiful pair of hazel eyes she's ever seen. The man stared at her too and they stayed like that until a third person coughed, breaking them out of their trance. At the same time, Alex and the man turned to the third person next to them, who looked at them with a knowing smile.

"Hi, I'm Iris," said the pretty dark-skinned girl and held out her hand.

"Alex Lee," said Alex as she shook Iris' hand.

The tall man was silent and only stared at Alex as she turned back to him. Seeing the awkward situation, Iris then said, "This is Barry."

"Barry?" the man asked Iris first and then turns back to Alex with a look of embarrassed realisation. "Oh, yeah. Right. Barry-- yeah, I'm Barry."

Barry then held out his hand shyly and Alex shook it. "Nice to meet you," said Alex with a shy smile that Barry returned with a shy smile of his own.

"Y-yeah, nice to meet you too," said Barry with a stutter.

Things were getting awkward again but Iris decided to break the silence. "Uh, Alex, we would love to get to know you more but Barry and I are headed to eat before going to S.T.A.R Labs for the particle accelerator he's been blabbering about since forever," said Iris.

"Oh, that's ok. I mean, I gotta go too because I'm a nurse and I'm just doing a favour for my neighbour by bringing her husband's lunch here," said Alex and she was mentally scolding herself for talking too much.

"So, yeah. I'll see you both around?" asked Alex after recovering.

"Yeah, that'll be great. See you, Alex," said Iris and then she turned to Barry in a hushed voice. "Barry, say you'll see her around."

"Oh-- um, see you around," said Barry with a smile towards Alex and then followed Iris to the elevator.

Alex gave them a wave as the elevator doors closed. Once Barry and Iris were out of sight, she couldn't help but think of Barry even when she finally gave Officer Nesbitt his lunch and when she was about to go back to the hospital.

Please get out of my head, she said to the image of Barry in her head but her lips were unknowingly quirking up slightly.

#the flash #cw series #fanfic #barry allen #iris west #cisco ramon #caitlin snow #joe west #original character #harrison wells #eobard thawne #arrowverse

[pastel-kinana]

heart out || barry allen [introduction]

C H A R A C T E R S

lee sun-mi as alex lee

❝ scars have the strange power to remind us that our past is real ❞

↠ cormac mccarthy ↞

grant gustin as barry allen

�� heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary ❞

↠ gerard way ↞

candice patton as iris west

❝ the first experience of love, even if it doesn't work out — perhaps especially when it doesn't work out — promises that here is the thing that validates, that vindicates life ❞

↠ julian barnes ↞

jesse l. martin as joe west

❝ blessed is indeed the man who hears many gentle voices call him father ❞

↠ lydia maria child ↞

carlos valdes and danielle panabaker as cisco ramon and caitlin snow

❝ a real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out ❞

↠ walter winchell ↞

P L A Y L I S T

heart out by the 1975 

light outside by wake!wakey! 

you by the pretty reckless 

rain by breaking benjamin 

honey by swim deep 

dark side of your room by all time low 

piece of your heart by mayday parade 

if you know that i'm lonely by fur

show me how by men i trust 

a second with you by llovers

masterlist | next

#the flash #cw series #fanfic #barry allen #iris west #cisco ramon #joe west #caitlin snow #harrison wells #eobard thawn #series #arrowverse

[pastel-kinana]

heart out || barry allen

“this beat's made for two 'cause I remember that I like you...”

Alex Lee had thought her life couldn't get any crazier than it already was. With a dark past that she tries to heal from, she has come a long way in creating a new life. She moved into a new city, got a new job as a nurse in Central City Hospital, and is doing just fine. Everything was smooth-sailing.

A chance encounter at CCPD and the particle accelerator explosion leads her to Barry Allen, the awkward forensic scientist struck by lightning. As she becomes more involved with Barry Allen, the faster her past comes back to haunt her and pain of the future comes her way.

based on the flash: season 1

barry allen x oc

status: incomplete

also available on wattpad

Masterlist:

introduction | i | ii | iii | iv | v | vi | vii | viii | ix | x

#the flash #cw series #barry allen #iris west #cisco ramon #caitlin snow #joe west #barry allen x oc #original character #the flash fanfic #series #harrison wells #eobard thawne #arrowverse

[pastel-kinana]

kina’s masterlist {k-pop edition}

L E G E N D:

♡ - fluff | △ - angst/sad | ϟ - smut | ★ - series

Twice

Myoui Mina: Prima Ballerina (♡)

B.A.P

Bang Yongguk: The Hang-up Game (♡)

EXO

Dear My Darlings (★)

Byun Baekhyun: Our Own (△)

Kim Junmyeon (Suho): Ramyeon (△)

Seventeen

Jeon Wonwoo: Rain (△)

GOT7

Jackson Wang: Sweat It Out (ϟ)

Solo Artists

Shin Hoseok (Wonho): Kisses (♡)

#kpop scenarios #fanfic #kpop fanfic #exo #seventeen #monsta x #twice #bap #got7 #imagines

[pastel-kinana]

dear my darlings || exo

Dear my darlings,

     Extraordinary or not, you will always be special to me.

     Someone who is so beautiful in my eyes.

     Someone I will love until I die.

The famous K-pop boy group EXO receive a diary from a fan who claims to have went to a world where they live their lives as normal people.

au plot series

starring: exo, original characters

status: incomplete

also available on asianfanfics

Masterlist:

prologue | 05.28.2018 (1) | 05.31.2018 (2) | 06.05.2018 (3) | 06.06.2018 (4) | interlude 1: doubt | 06.09.2018 (5) | 06.15.2018 (6)

#exo fanfic #au fanfic #original character #ot12 #kim minseok #xiumin #luhan #kris #wu yifan #kim junmyeon #suho #byun baekhyun #kim jongdae #chen #do kyungsoo #d.o #park chanyeol #zhang yixing #lay #huang zitao #kim jongin #kai #oh sehun #z.tao

[pastel-kinana]

the turtleducks deserved more airtime