The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive (Male Reader Insert)

5.5 Facing Reality

Caitlin was back in her shared penthouse apartment. She was in her bedroom, getting ready for the night. She wore an elegant black dress that sparkled in the light. Her hair and makeup had been done up, bringing out her defined features.

Caitlin was in the middle of putting her earrings on. She opened her jewelry box and sifted through the various jewels and chains. She finally found a pair that she liked.

As she was putting the diamond earrings on, she stopped. Two other earrings were sitting close to one another. One resembled a gold wing, another a golden lightning bolt. Upon seeing the decorative items, a voice ringed out through her head. It was her own voice. A memory came to mind of her handing a tall man a metal cap with gold wings.

Caitlin: It fits you.

Caitlin came back to reality. She stopped and looked around, left with another feeling of unease. She looked at all the awards and diplomas around her room, the intricate and expensive furniture, the elaborate design of everything. It was perfect. And yet, something felt off. Like it was wrong. Like it was all wrong. Everything was off, but she couldn't figure out why.

Just then, the wardrobe behind her started to shake again. Caitlin spun around and looked at it. It rocked back and forth violently, like something was desperate to get out. Cait noticed something odd about it. A faint mist was pouring out of the cracks in the wood. The doorknob seemed to be covered in a small sheet of ice.

She instinctively brought her hand up over her stomach, over where the baby was supposedly growing. It grounded her back to this reality. The wardrobe stopped shaking. Everything returned to normal.

Caitlin took a deep breath. She mentally eased herself, telling herself everything was fine. She was good. She was happy. So why did everything feel so off?

Caitlin looked over at the portrait hanging on the wall. It depicted her and Ronnie on their wedding day. The man's bright eyes no longer seemed happy. For whatever reason, they appeared sinister.

Caitlin was escorted out of the limousine by her husband. She gave him a nice smile as they walked over the red carpet towards their destination.

The gala was grand. There was music, refreshments, dancing. Everything was perfect. When the time came, an announcer stepped up to the podium at the back of the room. She cleared her throat, getting everyone's attention.

Announcer: Good evening, everyone. I'm glad you all could make it. Tonight, we celebrate not just a remarkable advancement, but a remarkable woman. The brave, determined, and distinguished scientist who has already done so much for us. With her recent discovery on the transmutation of personalities, this council would like to present Dr. Caitlin Snow with this year's Nobel Peace Prize.

Caitlin was stunned. She hadn't known her award would be so grand. She brought her hand to her mouth, stunned and trying to hide her shock. The crowd cheered and applauded as she walked up on stage. She was handed the award trophy and stood at the podium.

Caitlin: Thank you. Thank you all. This is truly a remarkable phase in my life. And I just want to thank all the brilliant and smart scientists who came before me. I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for you.

The crowd went back to cheering. Caitlin smiled as thunderous applause boomed for her throughout the plaza. She looked around at all the scientists who had come out to see her.

Then, as she was looking, one scientist caught her eye. He had dark hair and glasses. Just then, another image flashed before Caitlin. A memory of the same man a wheel chair. When she came back, something had changed.