Chronicles of the Time-Swift Siblings

Chapter 4: A Song in Your Heart

As Barry's consciousness returns, he finds himself disoriented, clad in a tuxedo amidst the ambiance of a bustling bar. Music fills the air, the melodious notes of a piano mingling with the soft hum of conversation. Suddenly, a captivating voice takes center stage, drawing Barry's attention like a moth to a flame.

"Kara?" Barry's voice is barely a whisper as he rubs his eyes in disbelief. There she stands, a vision of elegance in a sleek black dress with elbow-length gloves that accentuate her graceful form. Her voice, soft and alluring, weaves through the air, casting a spell over everyone present—including Barry himself. He never knew she possessed such a mesmerizing talent, but then again, his perception of Kara has always been clouded by admiration and affection.

Their eyes meet, and a moment of recognition passes between them. Kara's widened eyes betray her surprise as Barry waves awkwardly, caught in a whirlwind of emotions and confusion.

As Kara's performance ends, applause erupts through the bar, Barry joining in with genuine admiration. Seizing the opportunity, he slips backstage just as Kara steps off the stage.

"Barry?" Kara's voice rings out, filled with relief and joy as she catches sight of him.

"Hey!" Barry's response is a mixture of relief and disbelief as he moves to embrace her.

"Barry! It's really you! Thank Rao!" Kara's words tumble out in a rush as they cling to each other, grateful to be reunited in this strange and surreal place.

"Oh, wait, it's really you, right?" Kara's voice wavers with uncertainty as she takes a step back, her eyes searching Barry's face for confirmation.

"Yeah, this is me, yeah." Barry gestures to himself, a reassuring smile flickering across his lips.

"Good." Kara's response is a mixture of relief and apprehension, her gaze flickering around the unfamiliar surroundings.

"What is—where the hell are we? What's going on?" Barry's voice carries a note of bewilderment as he scans their surroundings, seeking answers in the midst of confusion.

"I was hoping you could tell me or maybe explain to me why I just pulled an Audrey Hepburn and sang in a nightclub?" Kara's tone is laced with incredulity.

"You sang beautifully," Barry says, the compliment genuine. His gaze briefly locks with Kara's, a fleeting moment of connection that sends a shiver down his spine. He quickly shakes himself out of the trance-like state. "Maybe we're dreaming?" he suggests, attempting to rationalize the inexplicable situation.

"The same dream?" Kara's voice holds a hint of skepticism as she considers Barry's theory.

"Yeah, that's—What's the last thing you remember before you got here?" Barry's voice takes on a more serious tone.

"I was at the D.E.O. They had just brought in an alien prisoner. He got loose, and—It was really weird. He had this, um, red—"

"Pocket handkerchief?" Barry finishes her sentence, his mind racing to fill in the blanks.

"Yes!" Kara's eyes widen in recognition as Barry's deduction hits the mark.

"I saw you on my Earth. You were in a coma," Barry says, his voice carrying a weight of concern as he recalls seeing Kara lying motionless in the hospital bed. "Your boyfriend brought you to us." Barry's voice sounds pained when he says boyfriend.

"He is not my boyfriend," Kara asserts, bringing a wave of relief to Barry, though he struggles to suppress a cough that betrays his true emotions. Kara's stuttering only adds to his internal turmoil.

"Okay." Barry's response is clipped, his mind reeling with conflicting thoughts and emotions. "Well, whoever he is said that this guy whammied you, and then he escaped to my Earth. He showed up at S.T.A.R. Labs. I went after him to try to get him to wake you up—"