The bustling hum of activity filled the CCPD precinct, its familiar energy surging with the controlled chaos of detectives on phones, officers shuffling case files, and the occasional murmur of subdued laughter. Barry Allen stepped through the doors, his pace quick but unhurried, his mind still on the lab and the emotional moment with Caitlin. He adjusted his tie absentmindedly, his thoughts briefly distracted as he made his way toward Joe's desk.
Before he could take another step, a voice called out—a cheerful, confident tone that carried over the noise. "Barry Allen?"
He turned, curiosity flickering across his face, only to find himself looking at someone unfamiliar yet instantly intriguing. A young woman was approaching him, her stride purposeful yet light, like she owned her space without arrogance. She was dressed in a smart blazer over a button-up shirt, paired with slim-cut trousers that hinted at practicality without sacrificing style.
Her physical appearance was striking yet approachable. She had honey-blonde hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail, a few loose strands framing her face. Her features were sharp but softened by a warm, open expression. Her hazel eyes sparkled with a mix of intelligence and curiosity, and a subtle, playful smile danced on her lips, as though she knew a secret she was debating whether to share. A badge clipped to her belt marked her as one of the CCPD's own.
Barry blinked, his posture shifting slightly as he straightened. "Uh, yeah. That's me," he replied, a mix of confusion and intrigue evident in his tone.
She extended her hand, her movements fluid and confident, her smile widening just enough to reveal a hint of dimples. "Patty Spivot," she introduced herself. "I'm new to the precinct. Detective West thought I'd be a good addition to the metahuman task force, so here I am."
Barry reached out to shake her hand, her grip firm but not overpowering. There was a subtle energy in the gesture, a warmth that seemed to radiate from her. "Nice to meet you, Patty," he said, his own smile beginning to form. "Welcome to the chaos."
Her laugh was light and easy, the kind that instantly put people at ease. "Chaos is kind of my thing," she replied, releasing his hand and shifting her weight onto one foot. Her stance was relaxed but purposeful, her hands sliding casually into her pockets. "Though, full disclosure, I didn't expect the whole metahuman thing to be this chaotic. I'm still wrapping my head around half of it."
Barry chuckled, his eyes narrowing slightly in amusement. "Yeah, it's... a lot. But you'll get used to it." He paused, tilting his head slightly as he studied her. "So, what made you want to join the task force?"
Patty's expression shifted subtly, a flicker of determination passing through her hazel eyes. Her smile softened, becoming more sincere. "I've always been drawn to the idea of protecting people, you know? And metahumans—well, they're part of our world now. Someone's got to step up and make sure we're handling things the right way." Her voice lowered slightly, a note of personal conviction creeping in. "And maybe... maybe I just want to make a difference where it matters most."
Barry nodded, his own expression mirroring her sincerity. "That's a good reason," he said, his voice warm. "It's not always easy, but having someone who cares on the team makes all the difference."
Patty's smile returned, brighter this time, her eyes lighting up with a mixture of excitement and gratitude. "Thanks, Barry. I think I'm going to like it here."
Joe appeared from behind a desk, his presence grounding the moment as he waved Barry over. "Allen, I need you for a second," he called, his tone brisk but not impatient. He glanced at Patty, offering her a nod. "Spivot, I see you've met our resident CSI."
Patty grinned, glancing at Barry before responding. "I have, and I think he's not as boring as you made him sound, Detective."
Joe let out a small laugh, his eyes crinkling at the edges. "Don't let him fool you. He's full of surprises."
Barry laughed along, rubbing the back of his neck in mild embarrassment. "Well, I'll let you two get acquainted. Joe, what's up?"
As Joe led Barry away, Patty watched them go, her expression thoughtful but amused. She exhaled softly, her shoulders relaxing as she glanced around the bustling precinct. Despite the unfamiliar surroundings, there was a quiet confidence in her stance, a sense that she was exactly where she was meant to be.