2 Chapter 2 : Awakened Speedster

In the vibrant city of Central City, the young and determined Barry Allen paced nervously within the hallowed halls of STAR Labs.

After waking up from a nine-month coma, Barry found himself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. He was different now, no longer the Barry Allen that Iris West knew. But there was a remnant of Barry's soul urging him to see her again.

After contemplating on what to do next, his eyes widened with awe and tightly hidden disgust and controlled rage as he found himself in the presence of his once-idolized figure, Dr. Harrison Wells. Attempting to keep his composure in order to not be seen as suspicious, Barry decided to engage the enigmatic scientist turned villain, in a conversation.

"Hey, Dr. Wells!" Barry began, trying to sound casual. "The particle accelerator you activated in 2013 was incredible! It got so much press coverage!"

Dr. Wells, now a recluse and outcast in Central City, peered at Barry with an inscrutable gaze. Beside him, his loyal assistants Cisco Ramon and Caitlin Snow .

Wells responded calmly, "Yes, the particle accelerator was quite the experiment. But it resulted in a disaster ..." After sighing a bit showing a mournful expression that he absolutely didn't feel, he continued "that's all in the past now."

Despite his attempt at nonchalance, Barry's heart raced. He knew that his newfound abilities must remain concealed from Wells, who is the very villain he should be hiding from. Wearing a STAR Labs shirt to blend in, Barry resolved to keep his powers under wraps for now.

As Barry ventured out into the city, his mind buzzed with uncertainty. With a surge of adrenaline, he accidentally collided with a dump truck, shocking himself with his newfound superhuman speed.

"Yep, totally wasn't me...have to go by the plot for the time being don't I?". Barry muttered, trying to come to terms with his developing powers.

*A few moments later*

That sunny afternoon, Barry stood outside Jitters Cafe, hesitating before he entered. Insecurities gnawed at him. What if he wasn't the same person Iris remembered? What if he couldn't live up to her expectations?

His hand trembled as he pushed open the door, the faint scent of freshly brewed coffee enveloping him. He spotted Iris sitting at a corner table, her smile illuminating the room. Her presence made his heart race, but he knew the truth - he was just a remnant of the man she once loved, same being the case for her.

As he approached her table, Barry's heart threatened to leap out of his chest. The remnant of original Barry's soul urged him forward, reminding him of the unspoken connection they had shared.

Iris glanced up, and her eyes widened in shock as she saw Barry standing before her. The disbelief gave way to a glimmer of recognition, but it was laced with confusion.

Her brow furrowed, and she studied him closely. Barry's insecurities surged, fearing rejection, but he pushed on, desperate to bridge the gap that had formed between them.

"Barry?" she whispered, her voice soft and uncertain.

Iris looked up, her eyes widening in surprise. "Barry? Is that really you?"

"Yeah, it's me!" he beamed. "I woke up from the coma, and... I couldn't wait to see you."

A mix of relief and concern washed over Iris's face. "I'm glad you're okay, Barry. Me and Joe, We all were so worried."

Taking a deep breath, Barry gathered his courage. He knew he couldn't hold back any longer.

"Iris, there's something I need to tell you," he began, taking her hands in his. "Ever since I woke up, all I could think about was you. Being away made me realize how much you mean to me."

Barry's heart pounded in his chest as he looked deeply into her eyes, hoping she would feel the same way. Ev n though he knew what will happen next.

"Iris West, will you be with me? I... I love you."

Iris's face turned solemn, and she gently pulled her hands away, a hint of sadness in her eyes.

"Barry, I care about you deeply," she said softly. "You've been such a good friend, and I'm so grateful for everything you've done for me. But... I have a boyfriend now. I'm sorry."

Barry's heart sank, but he managed to muster a weak smile. The remnant soul of original Barry breaking into pieces as his love for Iris fades I to a whisp of ethereal fragment neither known to anyone nor is it seen.

"That's okay, Iris. I understand," he replied, trying to hide his disappointment and relief. "I just had to tell you how I feel."

Iris reached out, touching his arm reassuringly. "And I'm glad you did. You're a wonderful person, Barry, and I'll always cherish our friendship."

Emotions swelled inside him, a mix of happiness for their friendship and slight sadness for what could have been ... but his inner self not wanting such a bitchy person as his patner even in death.

"Thank you, Iris," Barry said emotionally. "You've always been there for me, and I'm so lucky to have you in my life" while hiding his sarcasm.

They shared a bittersweet moment, and Barry took a step back, trying to compose himself.

"I should get going. I still have a lot to catch up on," he said, trying to sound cheerful, in actuality which he was.

"Take care of yourself, Barry," Iris said, concern evident in her voice. "And remember, you're not alone. We're all here for you."

With a nod, Barry turned and walked away, leaving behind the memories of what he thought could have been. As he stepped back into the world, hit by lightning, he knew he must face not only the challenges of his newfound powers but also the complexities of his heart.

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