Chapter Text
1 month. It had been 1 month since Caitlin lost Frost and she’s been in a deep depression ever since.
3 weeks ago Cisco unlocked a memory Caitlin had about Frost, only Frost was a kid. Caitlin doesn’t remember that happening at all and was hoping for more, hoping to get Frost back.
But Cisco just got broken up with and was going through his own depression which caused his own powers to stop working. Powers or not she felt bad for what her best friend was going through. Especially since Cisco had been going on a bunch of weird trips with Ralph.
Caitlin dragged herself out of bed and decided to take a shower, get dressed and head to the lab in order to distract herself.
She made a quick stop at Jitters and picked up a coffee then headed over to S.T.A.R. Labs. As she was heading to her office she was surprised to see Cisco chilling in the speed lab.
”Cisco?” They both ran up to each other and gave each other a big hug. “What are you doing here? I thought you were with Ralph.”
”I finally found a way to escape from him and his ‘book of Ralph’. But I’m sure when he wakes up he’ll try to find me. But I’ve been working on something that might be able to help you.”
”Help me with what?” Caitlin asked.
Cisco moved towards the left where there was a sheet over something with a chair right next to it. He ripped off the sheet and it showed the machine that erased Barry’s memories while they fought Savitar.
”What is it?”
”Well originally this machine was created to alter some of Barry’s short term memories so we could find a way to stop Savitar from killing Iris.”
Caitlin remembered hearing about this machine when she came back to S.T.A.R. Labs. She also remembered the brutality that was delivered on Frost when Savitar couldn’t remember. “What the hell is it doing here?”
”Well I reversed engineered it so instead of getting rid of memories, it brings them back. I figured we could use it to pull out memories from your childhood in which Frost appeared.” Cisco explained.
The rational part of Caitlin wanted to refuse after the mishap that happened to Barry. But the irrational part was desperate to get Frost back. “You’re certain this will work, Cisco?”
”99.99% certain.”
”What is the 0.01%?”
”Mathematically nothing is 100%. You don’t see Clorox wipes claiming it’ll clean bacteria off of surfaces 100%, it’s always 99.99%” Cisco ranted.
”Okay, okay. Let’s do this.” Cisco helped Caitlin get set up to the machine. Once all hooked up Caitlin took a deep breath in and a deep breathe out. “Okay. I’m ready.”
”Alright, we are good to go!” Cisco turns on the machine and sees it start doing its magic.
Caitlins eyes go wide as she sees herself going further and further back into her past memories. She saw herself watching Barry wake up from his 9 month coma. She then she sees herself at her high school graduation getting her diploma and looking to see her mother not looking the slightest bit impressed. She goes back and sees she won the 6th grade science fair and getting the blue 1st place ribbon, only her mom wasn’t there to cheer her on like the other parents. She then sees herself looking at her reflection, only it wasn’t her. It was Frost. The memories should’ve stopped there but she kept going backwards.
Cisco looked over at the machine and saw a spark. Not even a few seconds later did that lead to multiple sparks. “That’s not good.” All of a sudden an energy force was starting to form out of the machine.
Cisco tried to get Caitlin unhooked but the energy force was getting too big and he knew if something went wrong he couldn’t afford to get hit by it.
He hated that he left his best friend to get hit, but he knew he needed to fix the machine if something drastic happens.
Cisco covered his eyes as it was becoming too bright.
The energy force enveloped Caitlin.
After a few seconds the brightness of the energy force and the energy force in general disappeared. Cisco stood up and looked to where Caitlin was. Sadly all he saw were her clothes. “No…” Cisco fell to his knees. “I… killed her…”
All of a sudden he saw some kind of lump move around under Caitlins clothes. Curious he slowly walked over, he peaked from the neck hole of the shirt, but quickly a tiny little head found it’s way through the neck hole.
Caught by surprise that a child came out he quickly regained his composure and realized the child was Caitlin. He remembered 6 year old Caitlin from when he vibed her. Though he didn’t realize how tiny she was. She looked more 4 than 6.
”Who are you?” The little kid Caitlin asked quietly. “Where’s my mommy and daddy?”
Cisco got a little nervous, not being known for being the best liar. “Uh, well they are… at the lab.” Technically it wasn’t a lie, there was a high chance Caitlins mother was at the lab.
”Oh. But you’re not Maya, my babysitter.” Caitlin said.
”Maya had other things to do, I’m going to watch you for a bit. Let me introduce myself, I am Cisco” Cisco held his hand out awkwardly, not entirely sure if this is how you greet kids.
Caitlin decided to bring her arm out of the neck hole. She was able to grab two of his fingers and shake back “Caitlin” Caitlin then looked down at herself. “Cisco, why am I in these big clothes?”
”That is a good question… that I don’t have an answer to. But I do have some clothes that fit. Follow me.”
Caitlin jumped off the chair, her grown up pants staying on the chair as the shirt looked like an oversized dress on her. She reached at and her tiny arm poked through the sleeve hole and then she grabbed a tight grip on Cisco’s index and middle finger as he now walked her to the medic room.
In the medic room Cisco luckily had a pair of a child size S.T.A.R. Labs sweatshirt and sweatpants.
Caitlin sat there swinging her legs at the end of the bed while licking a lollipop Cisco had given her. Cisco brought the machine into the medic room to try and fix it while also keeping a close eye on his child size best friend.
Caitlin looked at him innocently “are you going to give me a shot?” She asked
Cisco turned to look at her, looking confused. “No. Why would I give you a shot?”
”When mommy and sometimes daddy bring me in a room like this they give me shots. They make my body feel cold.”
Cisco hid it but he was disgusted that her parents treated her like a lab rat. “Well I’m not giving you any shots.” Caitlin nodded and went back to licking her lollipop.
As Cisco went back to fixing the machine he heard some footsteps. He turned around and saw Barry and Iris coming in.
”Hey Cisco, whatcha-“ Barry turned his head and saw a child on the bed “-do-ing… Cisco.”
”Hmm?” Cisco said deciding to look at the machine and not Barry’s gaze.
”Who’s the child on the bed?” Barry asked.
Cisco turned around and decided to look at Barry and Iris. Cisco smiled nervously. “Oh you know.” Cisco laughed nervously “it’s… Caitlin…” he said her name quietly.
”Caitlin!?” Iris said a little too loudly which caused Caitlin to flinch. Iris looked over with a look of shock, but then quickly changed it to an apologetic look for shouting.
”Cisco, what happened?” Cisco guided Barry out of the medic room to talk about the events that happened this morning.
Iris walked up to Caitlin. Caitlin retreated into a shell, bringing her knees to her chest, not liking how loud the lady was early.
”I’m sorry for shouting. I was just so shocked to see you.” Iris said.
”Who are you?” Caitlin asked.
Iris who was a bit of a better liar than Cisco quickly thought up of a story. “I’m a friend of your parents. I haven’t seen you since you were a baby and I’m surprised at how big you’ve gotten.” Caitlin seemed to have bought the lie. “How old are you sweetie? 4?” Iris asked.
”I’m 6!” Caitlin exclaimed a little offended.
Iris was shocked. She looked too small to be 6.
Cisco and Barry walked back in. Barry now knew exactly what happened to Caitlin. He would have to inform Iris later when Caitlin wasn’t around.
”Hey Cait” Barry said squatting down a little so he could be eye level to Caitlin on the bed. “My name is Barry. I see you met my wife, Iris.”
”Yeah. She’s nice. Even though she thought I was 4 and not 6.”
”Don’t worry about that, I know you’re 6 Caitlin” Iris elbowed him lightly and Barry only smiled. “Hey, so Cisco actually has to work on something so would you be okay if Iris and I took you back to our place?”
Caitlin thought about it. She did like Cisco, for some reason the child felt a very strong connection with him. But she felt like she could trust Barry and Iris too, plus she didn’t want to be in a lab all day. “That’s fine” Caitlin said.
“Perfect” Cisco said “Now I have time to-“
“Cisco!” They all turned around to see Ralph walking in. “There you are buddy, I was wondering where you went.” Ralph was completely oblivious to his surroundings and didn’t notice the child next to him.
”Oh you know just needed some fresh air” Cisco lied.
”You’ve already done that step, 3 times Cisco. Now it’s time to move to step 18 of how to get over the love of your life. Come on” Ralph grabbed Cisco’s wrist and dragged him out of the lab.
”No Ralph, wait-“ but it was too late cause Ralph and Cisco were gone. “Well that’s a set back.” Barry said aloud.
Barry looked to Caitlin “cmon Caitlin, let’s get go” luckily Iris drove them here, so Barry wouldn’t have to use his speed to get them back. Caitlin probably wasn’t ready for the whole speedster thing.
Caitlin looked at Barry. Her legs hurt really bad. This place was huge and her and Cisco had to walk a long way to get to this room. So she decided to lift her arms up.
Barry looked at her confused. “What are you doing?”
Iris sighed. She went up to Caitlin and picked her up. Iris balanced the little girl on her hip. “That’s universal language for ‘I want to be picked up’ Barry.” Iris winked at him.
They walked to Iris’ car. As Iris was about to put Caitlin into the car she realized there was no car seat and that is very dangerous for the little girl.
Iris then had an idea.
She gently put Iris down and went to her trunk and pulled out one of Barry’s old Flash masks. She came back around and put it over Caitlin’s head. It was super baggy on her.
Caitlin looked at her confused. “What’s this thing for?” She asked.
”Well we don’t have a car seat right now sweetie and we need to make sure you’re safe. This mask can handle up to over 300 miles per hour.”
”Wow! That’s really fast!” Caitlin said in awe.
Iris chuckled “Yes it is. Now keep that on for now, I’m going to make a quick stop at my dads house to get you a car seat and maybe a few other things.”
”Is there toys?” Caitlin asked. “There weren’t any in there and I was bored.”
”I think there’s toys, I’ll have to go check. Now cmon, up up” Iris than helped Caitlin in the back seat and buckled her in nice and tight.
As Iris got in the drivers seat Barry looked over and saw Caitlin wearing his old mask. He smiled “I love the look you’re pulling off there.”
”Thanks!” Caitlin said smiling “it can go through really fast things.”
”Oh trust me I know” he then turned and winked at Iris.
”I decided to stop at dads place and see if there’s a car seat, toys, clothes, stuff like that.”
”Well Joe is very sentimental so chances are he definitely kept your stuff stored somewhere.”
Iris put her key in the ignition and started up the car. They drove off heading to Joe’s house.
As they arrived they got out of the car and Iris took off the flash mask and picked up Caitlin again, which Caitlin was happy about. Barry took out his key to the house, unlocked it and all three of them walked in.
Joe was sitting on the couch, he turned around and saw his two children and was about to greet them when he saw a child being held in his daughters hands.
”Dad this is Caitlin, the girl I’m babysitting” Iris said giving a hint that Caitlin was de-aged and doesn’t remember anything. “Caitlin this is my dad Joe”
”Hi Joe” Caitlin said quietly, hiding her head a little in the crook of Iris’ neck.
”Hey Caitlin” Joe then looked at his kids “So what are you guys doing here?”
”We were wondering if you had any of Iris’ old clothes or toys and possibly a car seat.” Barry said.
”Yeah, they’re in the attic. Iris can you come with me to help find some of your old things?” Translation being ‘telling me what the hell is going on’.
”Of course. Barry, stay with Caitlin.” Iris said.
“Wait, I don’t think-“ but Joe and Iris went upstairs before Barry could finish. “Perfect” Barry muttered under his breathe.
He looked at Caitlin and Caitlin looked at him. Barry didn’t know how to talk to kids or how to deal with them. “Sooo… what do you like to do?” Barry asked awkwardly.
”I like to play on my bike and play games and I like science… Do you have a periodic table and some paper?” Caitlin asked.
”Actually yeah I do. Why?”
“My daddy and I play this game. He teaches me the periodic table but he also lets me create my own elements.” Caitlin explained. “Can we play please?”
”Sure, sure. Let me go get the stuff.” Barry went into the kitchen where some paper and a pen was. He then looked through the drawers and found an old periodic table he had in high school.
Barry came back and laid the stuff down on the floor. They both then got on the floor and laid down on their stomachs.
”Okay so can you tell me which element this is?” Barry pointed at Fe.
”Thats Iron!” Caitlin said happily.
”Right!” Barry replied with a smile. “Now how about this one?” Barry pointed at Ag.
”Silver!”
”Good job!” Barry was actually enjoying this. “Last one then we’ll create your own. What is this one?” Barry pointed at C.
”It’s carbon!”
”Correct again! You did great.” Barry then gave Caitlin the paper. “Now go and make an element. Whatever your heart desires.”
”Okay! You’ll watch right?” Caitlin asked with hope in her eye.
”Of course.” Barry smiled at her.
As Iris was carrying the car seat and Joe carried two boxes of clothes and toys Iris puts down the car seat and watches the sight in front of her.
She saw her husband playing with little Caitlin. The sight of how her husband was easily interacting with her and making her smile and laugh. This made Iris’ heart flutter, the idea of her husband being a great father one day.
Joe placed the boxes down which broke the concentration of the two on the floor. “I got the stuff.” Joe said “I’m going to put it in the car for you.”
Barry got up from the ground “I’ll help you Joe. Caitlin you can bring your drawing if you’d like” Barry then went a followed Joe outside. Iris took a hold of Caitlins hand and they went to join the others.
Joe put the boxes in the trunk and Barry set up the car seat. When they were done and Iris was about to put Caitlin in the seat she complained. “Can’t I just put the mask back on? It’s cooler!” Caitlin asked.
”Sweetie it’s against the law to not put you in a car seat.” Caitlin looked down and poured a little. “Would you still like to wear the mask?” Caitlin looked up at Iris and nodded. “Okay.” Iris ruffled Caitlins hair which caused her to giggle.
They put the Flash mask on Caitlin then buckled her nice and safe in the car seat. Before leaving Barry and Iris hugged Joe and Joe gave them his best regards.
As they were driving Caitlin asked “who is this mask suppose to be?”
”Its the Flash” Barry answered. “He’s a really cool superhero! And he’s the fastest man alive!”
”Really?” Caitlin asked in amazement. “That’s so cool! Is he real?”
”Oh he’s real! Maybe you can meet him one day- ow.” Iris elbowed him while keeping her hand firmly on the wheel and watching the road.
”Really? I can?” She asked with excitement in her voice.
”Maybe. All superheroes are busy saving the world.” Iris said.
They pulled up to the loft parking lot. Iris once again picked up Caitlin while Barry went to get the boxes. Iris walked upstairs, unlocked the door and opened the door.
”Wow!” Caitlin was put down and looked at the loft in awe. “This place is cool! And I get to stay here until my parents?”
”Yes you do.” Iris booped her nose which made her smile. “I think I’m going to cook for dinner, what would you like?”
“Actually” Barry walked in and quickly put the boxes down “how about for the first night we just order Big Belly Burger.”
Iris gave a slight, quick glare at her husband. “Sure Barry. Does that sound good Caitlin?”
”Yeah, I love Big Belly Burger.” Suddenly something clicked “wait, first night? How long are mommy and daddy going to be gone?”
Barry and Iris froze for a second. Iris jumped in “Well they found something huge in their… research, yeah. So they’ll be out of town for awhile.”
”Oh” Caitlin then looked down, looking like she’s about to cry. “They’re always working” tears started falling down her face.
Iris got on her knees to meet eye level and hugged Caitlin. Iris rubbed circles on her back and made soothing shushing noises.
”Why don’t they love me?”
”Caitlin” Barry jumped in, getting down on his knees to meet Caitlins eyes. “Your parents do love you. Everything they are doing is for you because of how much they love you.”
”Really?” She sniffed.
”Really” he reached his hand and wiped the tears from her eyes. “Hey, do you want to show Iris your element?”
”Yeah” she left Iris’ hug and grabbed her paper.
”Your element?” Iris asked amused and with a smile.
”Yeah. Barry quizzed me on some elements on the periodic table and after that he let me make my own” Caitlin then showed the paper said ‘Hi’ and there were blue snowflakes all around. “It’s the element of ice! Do you like it?”
”I think it’s pretty. Actually we have an extra fridge magnet, would you mind if we put your drawing up on the refrigerator?” Iris asked
Caitlin looked in shock. “You really wanna put it up?” Iris smiled and nodded. “Yes please!” Iris smiled and got a magnet and put it on the refrigerator.
The Burgers came about 10 minutes later. During those 10 minutes Barry dug up some of the toys for Caitlin and she played with a stuffed animal and a plastic stethoscope and pretended to be doctor.
When the food came it was two number 1 meals and the kiddy meal for Caitlin.
After dinner Barry went to the clothes box and pulled out some pajamas that looked like they should fit Caitlin.
”Where are my clothes?”
”Uh, your parents forgot” Barry mentally slapped himself for that terrible lie.
”Oh okay” Caitlin accepted the answer as if it were normal. Caitlin took the pajamas and was shown the bathroom. She went in there to change. She came out with pajamas on. “I can’t brush my teeth, I don’t have a toothbrush.”
”Yeah, uh, your parents forgot a lot of things.” Barry said.
”Don’t worry sweetie we’ll do a quick shopping trip tomorrow.” Iris said
”Okay. I’m not in trouble right?”
”Why would you be in trouble?” Barry asked.
”Usually when I don’t do stuff like brush my teeth mommy punishes me” Caitlin said casually.
Barry and Iris’ eyes widened at the statement. “Caitlin, we aren’t going to punish you. Especially for not brushing your teeth when it’s out of your control. Okay?” Iris told her.
”Okay” Caitlin yawned. “Can I go to bed?”
”Yes.” Iris picked her up. “I’ll show you the bed.” While walking to the guest room Caitlin was already resting her head and falling asleep on Iris’ shoulder.
Iris placed Caitlin in the bed and tucked her in. “Goodnight, sweetie.”
”Goodnight Iris” Caitlin said sleepily as she fell into a deep sleep.
As Iris quietly closed the door and saw her husband with a big smile. “What?” Iris asked smiling back.
”You’re going to make a great mom.” Barry said.
”Not as much as you’ll make a great dad.” She walked up to them and they both kissed each other.
Breaking from the kiss Iris sighed “I don’t know how we’re going to do this Barry.”
”Well hopefully Cisco has escaped from Ralph and is working on repairing it. So it’ll be fixed soon.”
”It’s not just her being a kid, it’s the mental damage that shows from her past.”
”Well then let’s give Caitlin the best. Give her great childhood memories that will hopefully stick with her when she returns to normal.”
”You’re right Barry. Let’s give her some great memories.”
”We’ve got this.”