Our Broken Pieces

3

Author's note: Just to set the context for the story... Cisco got help making the technology to get Barry out of the speed force from Tracy Brand and Julian. Tracy went back to her normal life as a science researcher at Central City University, fulfilling her destiny in scientific discoveries, while Julian returned to England. The time Caitlin returns is after Barry is back to his old self after leaving the speedforce, and I am mostly not following the original season 4 plot. The reason why Cisco hasn't been able to vibe Caitlin and her whereabouts is that his powers are hard to work with when he is under emotional stress, like losing two of his best friends and just getting one back.

Star Labs - Cortex

"Good job Barr," Joe praised his son, "You don't only put bad guys away as the Flash but as 'Barry Allen, CSI expert' too." Joe referring to how Barry sent another Central City Scum to iron hieghts after presenting some CSI evidence at court.

"Thanks, Joe," Barry smiled sitting back in his chair. "K, see you for dinner later."

"See you, son," Joe said smiling, out of the Cortex. "See you too later Cisco?" he asked, with Cisco yelling back a yes to confirm. "Bye baby," Joe said, kissing Iris' head, finally leaving.

"It's been a great couple of weeks hasn't it," Cisco exclaimed, with a subtle undertone of sarcasm. "I mean, you're (Barry) back, team Flash is together, Wally went to find himself in the mountains of Tibet, and you're (Iris) picking out wedding songs as we speak." Cisco finished with a dramatic sigh, rolling his chair to the other side of the room, "But it honestly still feels like we're missing something..."

"Cisco," Barry started, "I promise we'll find her."

"You sure about that Barry?" Cisco questioned, "It's been almost two days since you got out of the speed force, and the most we've done is set Satellites to do facial recognition a few miles farther out of the city."

"Cisco, we all want to find her," Iris intervened, "but we don't want to track her down like a villain and then scare her away by forcing her to come back."

"I know," Cisco replied grudgingly. "I just miss OG Team Flash... Plus, after all the crap of the past three years, I just hope she's okay."

"She's okay," Caitlin said, suddenly appearing in the doorway of the cortex, causing her three lost friends to turn back with a look of shock. "You know, I really thought Star Labs security would get better after three years of break ins-," Caitlin started as Cisco ran up to her, giving her a big brotherly hug.

"Your back!" He said, "and... you're not Frosty?"

"It's um, a long story," Caitlin said, "but to keep it short, I learned how to better control over my powers. The white hair comes and goes as I please."

Iris stood up to greet Caitlin, giving her a welcoming hug.

"God Iris-," Caitlin said as the pulled away, "I'm so sorry for being an accomplice in your attempted murder. You really should have every right to not want me here."

"Hey, stop," Iris replied, "It's okay... and honestly, that's just another Tuesday for people like us. We're all just glad you're back safe."

Caitlin smiled and thanked her in response.

"We are glad your back Cait, and we hope that you are stayi-" Barry stood to greet Caitlin with a hug, soon getting interrupted by Caitlin.

"Actually- today, I don't think I can stay all day," Caitlin quickly responded, stepping back, subtly enough for Iris and Cisco not to notice the awkward hug block. "Being gone for so long, I'm assuming I lost my apartment, along with all my other things. Plus, I'm pretty sure I'm still on CCPD's wanted list."

"I mean, you can stay at my place," Cisco suggested.

"And the photo CCPD has of you is blurred by Frost and also you with white hair," Barry mentioned.

"We can do a little girl's shopping before dinner at my dad's house," Iris offered.

"No, really guys I can't stay that long..."

"C'mon Caitlin," Iris urged. "Even if you don't move back, maybe just stay until tomorrow."

Caitlin contemplated her choices, in whether she really had them. If she said no, the team would probably give her more reason to unless she revealed the reason she wanted to go back so badly. To see Melony. But that seemed like too much-unventured terrain.

"Okay, I'll stay until tomorrow," Caitlin gave in. "But. I leave on the first train out of Central City tomorrow morning."

"Yes!" Cisco, squealed like a child, causing the rest of them to smile in response.

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Yeah, I know chapters have been pretty short so far, and I'm sorry. I really want to make them long, and I'm trying.

But anyways, what do guys think of this chapter? What do you think is going to happen now that Caitlin is back? When and how will each of the members find out about Caitlin's secret? How will they react? I'd love to know what all y'all think.

Side note: If any of y'all are OG DC Comic fans, you might now who Ramsey Rosso is. My version of him will be slightly different to fit the story plot I am planning.

Leave comments, criticism, or vote, please! Thanks for reading!