章 19: Ch - 19 A Step Forward?
It had been a few days since the Clyde Mardon tornado incident, and in that time, Caitlin and Swayam had made significant progress in their relationship. Acknowledging Caitlin's growing feelings for him, Swayam had finally asked her out on a date.
For eight months, they had shared interactions that led to a slow, mutual build-up of emotions. However, neither had confessed outright, remaining passive. Caitlin, in particular, found it difficult to admit that she enjoyed Swayam's company and had developed feelings for him. This was largely due to the "death" of her fiancé, Ronnie Raymond. Ronnie had died in the particle accelerator explosion, leaving Caitlin a widow before she could marry. While coping with her grief, Swayam quietly slipped into her heart, helping her see him in a new light.
Their date marked a turning point, deepening their connection in a way they both realized was inevitable. Swayam planned the day with great care, knowing Caitlin's love for science and her need for moments of lighthearted joy.
The day started simply. They strolled through the city, sharing stories and exchanging jokes. Both felt a weight lift, as if, for the first time in months, they could breathe freely. At the zoo, they found themselves captivated by the animals, and Caitlin's laughter—genuine and unguarded—filled the air. Swayam couldn't remember the last time he'd seen her smile so much. The amusement park was another surprise. Caitlin pulled Swayam onto a roller coaster, something he hadn't expected from the typically reserved scientist. Her carefree laughter as the wind rushed through her hair made him realize just how beautiful she was when she let go of her worries.
The highlight of the day, however, came at the science museum. Swayam knew how much science meant to Caitlin, and as they wandered through the exhibits, her passion shone brightly. They paused before a display of constellations. Caitlin stared up at the stars projected on the ceiling, her face lit with a quiet awe. In that moment, Swayam saw the deeper parts of her heart—her love for the mysteries of the universe and her hope for the future.
Their evening at the restaurant was the perfect conclusion. Swayam had arranged for a private table with a stunning view of the city skyline. The food was exquisite, but it was the warmth in their conversation, the easy exchange of glances, and the growing bond between them that made the night unforgettable. Caitlin felt at peace, something she hadn't felt in a long time. Swayam's presence gave her a sense of comfort and security that she hadn't realized she needed.
As they left the restaurant, the night sky stretched above them, and the city lights glittered like stars. They stood hand in hand, no longer in a rush. Both knew that their relationship had reached a new chapter. It was a quiet, shared understanding—they had crossed a threshold together.
---
A few days later, Swayam arrived at S.T.A.R. Labs to the sound of Caitlin reprimanding Barry and Cisco.
"Have you both lost your minds? Who do you think you are?" she snapped.
Cisco, thinking they hadn't done anything wrong, tried to joke, "Well, I am the eyes and ears, and he's the feet."
Caitlin was unimpressed. "This isn't funny! You could've gotten yourself killed. You can't be running around the city like some supersonic fireman."
Barry, defending his actions, replied, "Why not? This is what we talked about—me using my speed to do good."
Caitlin, trying to stay reasonable, said, "We talked about you helping us contain other people who might have been affected by the particle accelerator explosion—meta-humans. Besides you, Sam, and Clyde Mardon, we haven't found any."
Barry remained firm. "People in the city still need help. And I can help them."
Cisco chimed in, "We can help them."
Sensing the conversation was going in circles, Caitlin looked toward Harrison Wells, who had been silently observing. "Will you please say something?" she asked, exasperated.
Harrison Wells, now the center of attention, looked at Barry and said, "I believe what Caitlin is trying to convey, in her spectacularly angry way, is that we're only just beginning to understand what your body is capable of. And, not to sound like a broken record, Mr. Allen, but I would advise caution."
Before Barry could respond, Swayam stepped forward. "Before you say anything else, Barry, your complexion doesn't look right. You should let Caitlin monitor your vitals."
Everyone turned to examine Barry, realizing Swayam was right. Barry, brushing off the concern, said, "Don't worry, guys. I'm fine. Actually, I've never felt better."
Just then, Cisco handed Barry his phone, which had started vibrating. Seeing that Joe was calling, Barry answered, "Hey, Joe, everything alright?"
Joe's sarcastic voice came through the line. "Great. I've got a fresh crime scene, a dead body, detectives interviewing witnesses, yellow tape stretched over everything. I'm just missing one thing. Can you guess what that is?"
Barry sighed, already knowing the answer. "I'll be right there," he said before hanging up and muttering to himself, "My day job beckons." With a flash, he sped out of S.T.A.R. Labs.
Harrison Wells, bemused, asked, "When do you think he'll realize he didn't take his clothes?"
---
Later that evening, Swayam, Caitlin, and Cisco were discussing their next date while Cisco tinkered with a new gadget. Suddenly, Barry entered S.T.A.R. Labs, looking unwell. Immediately, Swayam noticed something was wrong.
"Cisco, get Dr. Wells here, now," Swayam instructed, his eyes never leaving Barry.
When Harrison Wells arrived and inquired about the situation, Barry explained that he had been feeling dizzy and had even fainted earlier.
Caitlin's expression darkened with concern and frustration. "How could you not tell us you were experiencing dizzy spells? Sam even mentioned something was wrong, but no, you just brushed it off, saying you were fine. Now look what's happened. We are your doctors, for God's sake. Your cells are constantly in flux. You could be experiencing cardiopulmonary failure or a transient ischemic attack."
Barry, still slightly confused by Caitlin's medical terminology, remained silent. Sensing the tension, Harrison Wells stepped in to clarify. "What she's trying to say, Barry, is that you could've had a mini-stroke. But I don't think that's the case."
Caitlin, still visibly upset, added, "You should know that in science, we share information. We don't keep secrets."
She turned and walked away, her frustration apparent. Swayam, not missing a beat, followed her to ensure she was okay. As they left, Cisco turned to Barry. "Ronnie was the last one to make her this angry."
Barry, puzzled, asked, "Who's Ronnie?"
Dr. Wells, his demeanor slightly softened by the memory, explained. "Ronnie was Caitlin's fiancé. A hero. He was the lead structural engineer of the particle accelerator. On the night of the explosion, an anomaly was detected in the core chamber. Ronnie went down to manually shut it down, locking himself in the chamber to redirect the explosion upward. He saved everyone in the building that night, but it cost him his life."
After a somber pause, Wells continued, "He is missed. But for now, let's focus on you and figure out why you're feeling dizzy."
---
They entered the vitals monitoring room, where a large treadmill sat in one corner and several stacks of padded cardboard boxes lined the opposite wall.
Barry eyed the treadmill curiously. "You sure about this, Cisco?"
Cisco grinned. "Most home treadmills max out at 12 miles per hour. I've modified this one, so trust me, it can handle your speed."
Barry nodded and began running on the treadmill, gradually increasing his pace until he was a blur of motion.
Caitlin, monitoring his vitals, called out, "Heart rate, blood pressure, and nerve conduction are all normal."
Wells added, "For Barry."
"Brainwave function within standard limits," Caitlin confirmed.
Cisco, proudly watching the treadmill, added, "See? Told you it could take it."
Swayam, keeping a close eye on the monitors, noticed something. "Cait, look at his glucose levels."
Caitlin's eyes widened. "Oh my God. It's so obvious."
Harrison Wells, pretending to connect the dots, remarked, "Of course—glucose." He turned to Barry. "Barry, we think we've figured out why you keep..." But before he could finish, Barry collapsed into the padded boxes, unconscious. Wells concluded, "...passing out."
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