It had been years. Leonard hadn't seen Barry since the other had almost still been a child. A lot had happened since then, Leonard's life had been turned upside down more than once. Not in good ways either, between his father's presence in his life, his responsibility for his sister and then war. War and when he returned, as clichéd as it might sound, everything had changed. Circumstances as well as himself.
He couldn't stand idly by and watch what was happening to his country now. It wasn't an option, as much as he had always thought that he didn't care much about people. It seemed as if he had been wrong and soon everyone knew that, from the poorest soul all the way up to the Prince.
And Leonard found he wasn't alone. People joined, most of them poor, but even some rich ones with the heart in the right place. Leonard couldn't give them much, aside from danger, but they fought and plotted together and their infamy grew.
But of course, Barry? Barry would be sheltered. Barry wouldn't hear about him as a hero or someone noble. Barry would hear about the thief and murderer, the anarchist who brought nothing but chaos, if he heard of him before.
Yet when he heard where Barry stayed, it didn't take long - in spite of how many tried to talk him out of it - until he climbed the tower at night and appeared in Barry's window, after having made sure the room was empty, safe for Barry himself. Leonard was soundless as he moved into the room and he stepped behind him, noting how much he had still grown since they parted. No warning before he pulled him back against his chest, covering his mouth with one hand. Better safe than sorry.
"Don't scream. It's just me." Hm. "Remember who I am, Barry?"
Of course he recognised that voice, it wasn't hard, it was a very distinctive voice and he would recognise it anywhere. Leonard Snart. He'd known him when he was younger, when he'd pretty much hero worshipped him to an embarrassing degree but hell, Leonard had been older, stronger, pretty handsome and he always had time for Barry, why wouldn't he adore him? The same couldn't be said for most. Even today.
He knew the stories, he heard the legends, Leonard wasn't the hero he had seen him as when he was younger, that much he knew. According to Eobard, he was a murderer and a sadist who liked to rob innocent people, attack the smaller villages and kidnap the rich to exploit money from them.
... Oh God, was that what this was? No, it couldn't be. That'd be insane. And a good way to get a death sentence.
Barry tried to answer verbally first out of instinct but the hand prevented him from getting very far with that so instead, he nodded his head slowly.
"Are you going to scream when I let go?" It was a legitimate question, because Barry - as opposed to him - didn't seem to have changed that much and Len still remembered what a bad liar he was. So he watched his face as best he could from their position, waiting for him to either nod or shake his head or react in any other way. He didn't really want to scare him, perhaps he should clarify that, especially knowing what stories Barry must have heard. He certainly looked spooked right now.
"I'm not going to hurt you." Now, Leonard? Leonard lied all the time and routinely, but he'd never made a habit out of lying to Barry and he hoped he'd remember that, at least enough to calm down a little. Len had done his share of bad things, perhaps more than just his share, but he'd never want to hurt Barry.
It was not really something he could promise if Leonard suddenly turned on him but as far as he could see, so far, he meant no harm. And maybe that was naive of him to think but if Leonard tried to attack, he could at least fight back. He wasn't entirely helpless here, he could stand a chance. Slowly, Barry nodded his head again, his breathing was still a little rapid but this was hardly the most relaxing situation in the world.
He knew very people who would call having their room broken into by the most notorious man around a relax and fun experience. Even if he used to consider Leonard a friend, those days were clearly over.
"Good." Leonard let go and stepped back. He was armed, of course he was, but his weapons were hidden on his person, dark clothes that were sturdy and not only good at keeping him warm but also able to at least soften most blows should it come to that. Right now he wasn't worried about that happening, because Barry was still Barry and he doubted he'd prove a challenge by himself. If he called for guards, that was another matter. "Nice room you have here. No servants scheduled to come and check on you, I hope?"
Had to make sure, he didn't want this situation to escalate.
No, he wasn't answering that question, not at all. He liked to have some kind of mystery here he could use to keep himself safe. Truth was, there wasn't any guards on their way but in another hour, they'd check in. They were very routined, always at the same time, they'd only come earlier if he yelled. "You shouldn't be here. You're the most wanted man around here these days, if I called the guards right now, I'd be considered a hero." He wasn't going to but it was worth pointing out.
"The most wanted?" Leonard repeated the words, whistling under his breath. He made his way across the room until he could sit down on the windowsill, checking behind himself as if looking for something outside. Only a momentary glance though, before his attention settled on Barry again. "Do you want me too?" It was a legitimate question, given Barry had declared him the most wanted. Leonard smirked a little as he pulled one leg up and rested his chin on his knee.
It had been a while, but Barry's face gave his emotions away just as it had always done.
"What? No, that's not what I meant!" Ah, it had been a long time since someone made him go this red. It always seemed to be Leonard's special skill. God damn it. Barry set his face despite the redness and tried to stay on message. "I meant you're a criminal. You're a bad person. They want you so they can kill you, there's a bounty on your head and it's a hell of a lot of money." Barry was curious if he technically caught him now, would he even get the money? Eobard would probably give it to the guards.
"Why? I don't think you're eager to make any pocket money and nobody else knows I'm here." Leonard was ever so amused, watching Barry's growing anxiety and - with even more interest - the blush that was creeping all across his face. "Relax, Scarlet. I'm not here for any sinister purpose, unless you consider wanting to check on you and being eager to see you sinister." Personally, he thought he was pretty harmless. At least in this particular situation and on this evening. Although he might do something more interesting on the way out.
There were many reasons to hit up a tavern for a penniless bard and his lute, but in Hartley's specific case he'd also been sent here by Leonard to keep an open ear and relay some messages while he was at it. Not everyone knew his affiliations, but enough people did and every time he sang some coded songs and met the right people in the right company, more knew. This was important, they had to establish a network of people that could relay information quickly and reliably without anything getting spilled.
But also, Hartley was hungry and it was a rainy time, his clothes hadn't been properly dry in days. He was very happy to get to sit in the tavern, even if he'd have to play before getting enough money for food. Echo was in his hood, hiding, because people didn't like seeing rats but he couldn't leave her behind. She got cold!
But the fire was burning here and enough people knew him and everyone else saw the lute, so demands weren't few and soon he was singing, joined with the welcome sound of coins thrown in his direction. When the door opened to let in Ronnie and Cisco of all people, Hartley only missed a beat before continuing his song.
Suddenly this night had turned into a lot more of a risk, he could feel the atmosphere shift. Nobody else in here had affiliations with the castle.
"They're looking. Man, they are looking. At us. Do you not see this? Oh God, we need to go. Like now." Cisco tugged on Ronnie's arm to try and pull him away but Ronnie was not deterred. Instead, he grabbed Cisco's arm and ignored the indignant little yelp.
"There's nowhere else nearby and you said you wanted to go drinking. Stop acting so afraid, you're making us look weird." Ronnie was good at blending, he did this a lot, he often went drinking with Eddie in dodgy places just to get a cheap drink but Cisco, he looked about as freaked as he was and his behaviour kept drawing them more looks. "The more you relax, the less they'll stare. It's either here or we walk another half an hour."
Ronnie shoved Cisco down in a seat and looked at the bar tender, making his order. There was hesitation but in the end, he went and got their drinks.
It was easy to peg the castle folk at first glance. Of course, many of them wouldn't have earned any attention, but these weren't lowly servants or anything along those lines. Higher up, definitely, Hartley was fairly sure he'd seen them before, so it had to mean they were well established with the more noble people.
Which explained the tension and which also meant that it'd be beneficial if Hartley could get an in with them. Either way, he whistled loudly to make sure the focus would be on him again, explained that he was the main act and started a new song, mostly improvising the lyrics with jokes about various patrons of the establishment, which earned a lot of laughter and served to take the attention off the two newcomers. Maybe if he took a break, he could just sit down near them. No one would be suspicious, they looked as if they'd have more money than most here and any bard would look for an in to the castle.
"Thank God there's entertainment. Ronnie, seriously, this just seems like the kind of place we're warned not to go to. We should just like drink and dash. After paying, of course." Cisco insisted as his beer arrived, proceeding to gulp it down until Ronnie steadied him. At this rate, Cisco was not going to have any fun. Which was entirely stupid, given how no one was even looking their way any more.
"Relax, I'm drinking here until I'm out of my wages. If you want to go, go but walk home alone."
Damn. He got him there. Cisco forced himself to chill out, listening to the music, sometimes looking over at the player as he drank his beer much slower this time. It was always something to envied, he always wanted to play an instrument, he just never was able to afford one or lessons.
Hartley felt Echo crawl from his hood down his jacket until she was in his pocket, which was a very clear sign that she was hungry and meant that he needed a break. Even more so since the cute castle dweller kept looking his way. There might be an in, even if he was reading into the looks. For all he knew the man was just really into music, which would still work in his favour. So either way, he announced a break, gathered what he had earned so far with a few grateful bows and walked right over to the bar, counting what he had and asking for the usual, even if it came with jokes about being a rabbit. The one advantage to living in a cloister would be that there'd be less scoffing at his choice not to eat meat.
He sat down, sliding a hand into his pocket to stroke Echo, so she'd be patient. "So, how great do you think I am?"
Might as well start off on a boisterous high note.
Oh great, the music had stopped and now the weird singing guy was talking to him and he had zero idea what to say. Ronnie told him be cool, blend and talk normally so he just had to do that. Piece of cake. Hopefully. "You weren't half bad." Yep, going there. If he was asking for a real opinion, Cisco could give one. "Your rhymes could be tighter and you could hit the high notes but I'm guessing you save that for the big money." Cisco smiled playfully, hoping he didn't get stabbed in the face for that. "Sorry, I'm just teasing. You're good."
"I do, actually. If I sing that high in a place like that, I'll ruin my voice. So much smoke in here." Though smoke meant fire and that meant warmth and he surely wasn't complaining about this, nor about the bowl of stew and piece of bread he was given. Hartley broke a piece of the bread off and discreetly put it into his pocket, so Echo could get full as well, then he started to eat. "But if you want to provide me with the big money, sir, I'm going to tighten up my rhymes right now."
Cisco had come out to drink but part of him was feeling a bit whimsical and honestly, the beer here was a bit gross. And very watered down compared to what he usually had. He supposed that's why in the end, he took out some coins and slid them towards Hartley and they were pretty much worth the entire haul he just got. He did it subtly, trying not to let anyone else see but Cisco was not that subtle. No doubt he'd get mugged if he flashed his cash any more than he had.
"I always liked music, I couldn't afford to play growing up though. It's nice to hear good music sometimes." Hint hint. Ronnie grabbed Cisco's arm and yanked him away from Hartley, leaning in to whisper into his ear about, you know, not giving that much money to a random performer like a complete idiot. "It's my money."
"It's also your funeral if he tells other people." Rolling his eyes, Ronnie let go and kept his eye on this strange singing man. He had to, Cisco had gone and been dumb. Again.
"I don't like this. I think I've changed my mind."
A little late to complain but he felt like he just walked into his own kidnapping and that didn't feel good. He agreed to leave his room, jump the castle gates and basically get himself away from everyone who could help him before agreeing to wear a blindfold. Clearly he went wrong somewhere. He hadn't known Leonard long enough to trust him this well and he wasn't sure where they were even going. It was all pretty unsettling.
"You better don't run off, you'll need me to find your way off." Not the most reassuring thing in the world to say, but Leonard held Barry's arm and led him through the forest, careful to keep him from stumbling over anything. Or nothing, he supposed, it was Barry after all. He noticed a shiver and stopped, taking off his coat.
He stepped behind Barry to drape it over his shoulders, arms around him momentarily to drape it a little tighter. "I told you, Scarlet. I'll bring you back before anyone notices you're gone. You have my word. As your friend and as someone who was a knight once."
It would mean a lot more if his word came from someone who was still a knight and a friend but as it stood, Leonard was neither. Not a friend yet, anyway. He wasn't so sure how much he could trust him. If Eobard even found out he'd done this, he was in so much trouble. And not the kind of trouble he could worm out of by arguing back, this was probably one of his dumber ideas. Running off with a known criminal. He had no idea why he'd done it.
Then Leonard touched him, almost held him, and he remembered very swiftly. Oh yeah. That was the reason. The perk of getting to wear his coat was kind of nice. It was really warm, which took him by surprise, he didn't think Leonard would have clothes like this. "I'm more worried about walking into my doom blindfolded like a complete idiot. I guess I have to trust you really."
"M-hm. Because if you didn't wear a blindfold and I'd lead you to your doom, you could just defend yourself." Leonard really wasn't the best at reassurance, but he wasn't really trying to be. However, he now kept an arm around Barry as he led him deeper into the forest, listening to the birds that called out occasionally, even though it was past dark. "I simply want to show you something you haven't seen before. You always liked to learn and you always liked to see something new. This is better than just looking through that thing your friend made for you."
At least it should leave a better impression. "What do you know about taxes, Scarlet?"
"I could. You think I'm a total wimp, don't you? I'm not. I'm strong, I can fight for myself." Debatable. Barry certainly wasn't a push over but against someone like Leonard? It was a dead set he'd be taken down in minutes. At least he could run for his life and try not to get killed, that was always on the table. "I do like new things, I just like knowing how I got to the new things. Crazy, I know." His idea of new things tended to be fantasy tales and weird myths and legends he liked to chase or read up on, not getting led into the middle of the woods.
"I know they get paid to the prince so he can fund the country and the army, repair the bridges, invest back into people. Taxes are like the way people make sure where they live stays liveable."
"Are they? That's ironic, considering how many people end up homeless because they can't afford the amount of taxes heaved on them." Leonard took a turn for no real reason other than to make sure Barry really had no reason how to get anywhere and how to ever find out or back here, which was why the blindfold was so very necessary. "If you knew how you got where I'm taking you, Scarlet, you'd be in a lot of danger. There are some secrets I can't allow to be out. There are people that depend on my and my secrecy. I like you, but I'd not betray their trust for you."
"That's just an unfortunate side-effect. Eobard is as lenient as he can be but some people can't afford to pay their way or they just don't want to. I already told him he should set up places for those people to go. I don't think people don't pay taxes because they want to be homeless." Barry didn't see the reason why anyone had to be homeless but he saw the reason why it happened. "Society will never be perfect, there's flaws in the system. Even in the best societies, homelessness happens."
That's what Eobard always told him whenever they spoke about it. There was no way to achieve a flawless society. "I get it, you want to protect them, I like that. Just don't get me hurt or lost trying to do it or I won't be trusting you much again any time soon. Understandably."
"I'd never get you hurt, Scarlet. And if you are lost, then you should trust that I'll come to find you." As he supposed he was doing right now, if one wanted to be dramatic. Less dramatic and more poetic. Why was he spending his valuable time, risking his neck, for someone who barely even remembered him? Mick had been ranting about that ever since he found out, but that hadn't stopped Leonard, perhaps exactly because he wasn't sure if he could answer the question.
"I know you know how to talk, but do you know how to be silent? The people I'll introduce you to deserve to be heard, no matter your thoughts on it all." He wasn't going to have these people insulted because a sheltered nobleman knew nothing but ignorance.
no subject
He couldn't stand idly by and watch what was happening to his country now. It wasn't an option, as much as he had always thought that he didn't care much about people. It seemed as if he had been wrong and soon everyone knew that, from the poorest soul all the way up to the Prince.
And Leonard found he wasn't alone. People joined, most of them poor, but even some rich ones with the heart in the right place. Leonard couldn't give them much, aside from danger, but they fought and plotted together and their infamy grew.
But of course, Barry? Barry would be sheltered. Barry wouldn't hear about him as a hero or someone noble. Barry would hear about the thief and murderer, the anarchist who brought nothing but chaos, if he heard of him before.
Yet when he heard where Barry stayed, it didn't take long - in spite of how many tried to talk him out of it - until he climbed the tower at night and appeared in Barry's window, after having made sure the room was empty, safe for Barry himself. Leonard was soundless as he moved into the room and he stepped behind him, noting how much he had still grown since they parted. No warning before he pulled him back against his chest, covering his mouth with one hand. Better safe than sorry.
"Don't scream. It's just me." Hm. "Remember who I am, Barry?"
no subject
He knew the stories, he heard the legends, Leonard wasn't the hero he had seen him as when he was younger, that much he knew. According to Eobard, he was a murderer and a sadist who liked to rob innocent people, attack the smaller villages and kidnap the rich to exploit money from them.
... Oh God, was that what this was? No, it couldn't be. That'd be insane. And a good way to get a death sentence.
Barry tried to answer verbally first out of instinct but the hand prevented him from getting very far with that so instead, he nodded his head slowly.
no subject
"I'm not going to hurt you." Now, Leonard? Leonard lied all the time and routinely, but he'd never made a habit out of lying to Barry and he hoped he'd remember that, at least enough to calm down a little. Len had done his share of bad things, perhaps more than just his share, but he'd never want to hurt Barry.
no subject
He knew very people who would call having their room broken into by the most notorious man around a relax and fun experience. Even if he used to consider Leonard a friend, those days were clearly over.
no subject
Had to make sure, he didn't want this situation to escalate.
no subject
No, he wasn't answering that question, not at all. He liked to have some kind of mystery here he could use to keep himself safe. Truth was, there wasn't any guards on their way but in another hour, they'd check in. They were very routined, always at the same time, they'd only come earlier if he yelled. "You shouldn't be here. You're the most wanted man around here these days, if I called the guards right now, I'd be considered a hero." He wasn't going to but it was worth pointing out.
no subject
It had been a while, but Barry's face gave his emotions away just as it had always done.
no subject
"You should leave."
no subject
"Do you think I should be killed?"
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
no subject
But also, Hartley was hungry and it was a rainy time, his clothes hadn't been properly dry in days. He was very happy to get to sit in the tavern, even if he'd have to play before getting enough money for food. Echo was in his hood, hiding, because people didn't like seeing rats but he couldn't leave her behind. She got cold!
But the fire was burning here and enough people knew him and everyone else saw the lute, so demands weren't few and soon he was singing, joined with the welcome sound of coins thrown in his direction. When the door opened to let in Ronnie and Cisco of all people, Hartley only missed a beat before continuing his song.
Suddenly this night had turned into a lot more of a risk, he could feel the atmosphere shift. Nobody else in here had affiliations with the castle.
no subject
"There's nowhere else nearby and you said you wanted to go drinking. Stop acting so afraid, you're making us look weird." Ronnie was good at blending, he did this a lot, he often went drinking with Eddie in dodgy places just to get a cheap drink but Cisco, he looked about as freaked as he was and his behaviour kept drawing them more looks. "The more you relax, the less they'll stare. It's either here or we walk another half an hour."
Ronnie shoved Cisco down in a seat and looked at the bar tender, making his order. There was hesitation but in the end, he went and got their drinks.
"We should like drink fast."
"Relax, Cisco."
no subject
Which explained the tension and which also meant that it'd be beneficial if Hartley could get an in with them. Either way, he whistled loudly to make sure the focus would be on him again, explained that he was the main act and started a new song, mostly improvising the lyrics with jokes about various patrons of the establishment, which earned a lot of laughter and served to take the attention off the two newcomers. Maybe if he took a break, he could just sit down near them. No one would be suspicious, they looked as if they'd have more money than most here and any bard would look for an in to the castle.
no subject
"Relax, I'm drinking here until I'm out of my wages. If you want to go, go but walk home alone."
Damn. He got him there. Cisco forced himself to chill out, listening to the music, sometimes looking over at the player as he drank his beer much slower this time. It was always something to envied, he always wanted to play an instrument, he just never was able to afford one or lessons.
no subject
He sat down, sliding a hand into his pocket to stroke Echo, so she'd be patient. "So, how great do you think I am?"
Might as well start off on a boisterous high note.
no subject
Oh great, the music had stopped and now the weird singing guy was talking to him and he had zero idea what to say. Ronnie told him be cool, blend and talk normally so he just had to do that. Piece of cake. Hopefully. "You weren't half bad." Yep, going there. If he was asking for a real opinion, Cisco could give one. "Your rhymes could be tighter and you could hit the high notes but I'm guessing you save that for the big money." Cisco smiled playfully, hoping he didn't get stabbed in the face for that. "Sorry, I'm just teasing. You're good."
no subject
no subject
"I always liked music, I couldn't afford to play growing up though. It's nice to hear good music sometimes." Hint hint. Ronnie grabbed Cisco's arm and yanked him away from Hartley, leaning in to whisper into his ear about, you know, not giving that much money to a random performer like a complete idiot. "It's my money."
"It's also your funeral if he tells other people." Rolling his eyes, Ronnie let go and kept his eye on this strange singing man. He had to, Cisco had gone and been dumb. Again.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
no subject
A little late to complain but he felt like he just walked into his own kidnapping and that didn't feel good. He agreed to leave his room, jump the castle gates and basically get himself away from everyone who could help him before agreeing to wear a blindfold. Clearly he went wrong somewhere. He hadn't known Leonard long enough to trust him this well and he wasn't sure where they were even going. It was all pretty unsettling.
no subject
He stepped behind Barry to drape it over his shoulders, arms around him momentarily to drape it a little tighter. "I told you, Scarlet. I'll bring you back before anyone notices you're gone. You have my word. As your friend and as someone who was a knight once."
no subject
Then Leonard touched him, almost held him, and he remembered very swiftly. Oh yeah. That was the reason. The perk of getting to wear his coat was kind of nice. It was really warm, which took him by surprise, he didn't think Leonard would have clothes like this. "I'm more worried about walking into my doom blindfolded like a complete idiot. I guess I have to trust you really."
no subject
At least it should leave a better impression. "What do you know about taxes, Scarlet?"
no subject
"I know they get paid to the prince so he can fund the country and the army, repair the bridges, invest back into people. Taxes are like the way people make sure where they live stays liveable."
no subject
no subject
That's what Eobard always told him whenever they spoke about it. There was no way to achieve a flawless society. "I get it, you want to protect them, I like that. Just don't get me hurt or lost trying to do it or I won't be trusting you much again any time soon. Understandably."
no subject
"I know you know how to talk, but do you know how to be silent? The people I'll introduce you to deserve to be heard, no matter your thoughts on it all." He wasn't going to have these people insulted because a sheltered nobleman knew nothing but ignorance.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)