M O V E

                     “Life equals R U N N I N G                  and when we S T O P running...              maybe that's how we'll know life is                        f i n a l l y f i n i s h e d.”

[flcshspeed]

he had been more than a little desperate to do some good. barry allen wasn’t so insecure as to be swayed from his purpose just because a few people seemed to be picketing the league and the avengers as a whole—he wasn’t going to stop doing his job just because public opinion was a little low. but he’d be lying entirely if he said it didn’t bother him. he was trying his best to help people, even though he knew he was doing good, he felt a little determined to prove that fact. a firm believer in ‘kill them with kindness’, he’d spent most of his time trying to rebuild the league’s image, and as a result, heroes as a whole. he’d done everything from showing up to children’s birthday parties to rescuing cats from trees. and the slight, unwanted thought that he was maybe working below his pay grade was quickly swept away by his own reserve—the people needed to feel like the heroes were on their side, like they took their desires and opinions into consideration. and barry did. 

which is why, in the middle of the day, when he heard the not-so-distant explosion, he quickly handed off the small flash toy that he’d signed for the little girl in frizzy pig tails and gave her a wink and a quick salute. “do me a favor, ma’am, and get you and your mama indoors for me.” then he turned and tapped into the well of speed force that just didn’t seem to be as strong as it used to— and he was gone. 

one of the most important things he’d learned, when you’re traveling as fast as a speedster does, it’s important to have an end goal. know where you’re going to stop. and it seemed ridiculous, yes, of course know where you’re going...but most people didn’t understand until they felt it. the near impossibility of the speed, the energy that snapped and crackled around him as he moved, the way the world blended and blurred and then nearly disappeared all together. barry could focus on one point when he was moving—normally it was the villain he was aiming for, or the person he was trying to save. today, it was the bank that the explosion had been from. 

slower, slower...stopping wasn’t as nearly as easy as he made it seem either. to everyone else, it was instant. barry wasn’t there, and then he was ( damn speedsters ). but it was a process, a process that he had to concentrate on. because the speed force edged him on, like the steady beating of his heart: faster faster faster. but through adept skill and years of experience, he slowed, and soon he could hear the ringing of the bank alarm, the shouting of civilians, the coughing and wheezing of the smoke around them. he stopped gracefully, with the competence of someone who’d been dropping out of sonic speeds for a while, and knelt down to a man wheezing on the ground, with a deep cut on his head. 

“easy, come on...let’s get you out of here,” he said, helping the guy up before he glanced at the smoking entrance of the bank. someone had blown the vault—which meant there must have been something more valuable in there then just money. 

[flcshspeed]

“Ain’t it weird?  All these clowns just out wanderin’ around at night with knives and machetes and baseball bats.  It’s funny how everyone’s so obsessed lately.”

“—and i hope you aren’t going to be one of them tonight.” barry stood behind her, fully suited, arms crossed over his chest as he blinked at her. in the next second, he spread his arms and held his hands out, palms up, in an effort to possibly make things easy tonight. with all the negative opinion, he didn’t want to step off the wrong foot and end up on the nasty end of a press release. “it’d be best if you’d just come with me quietly. no harm no foul.”

[flcshspeed]

Under a bright light, the woman was making her way out of the building, leaving behind her a tough day of classes full of experiments and science. She’s been studying for two years in Metropolis now, and even if the city had nothing like her hometown - San Diego -, she managed to go through this new life. Brought here by some friends to help the city, because of the last miserable events, Lorena didn’t feel safe, and she didn’t feel herself either. She went here to be a hero, help the citizens with their problems, but it didn’t feel enough and she started to wonder if she really was useful, if the people weren’t right after all. - What if they were the threat? 

It’s with all those complicated thoughts, that Lorena reached her bus stop, sitting by a stranger’s side. She opened a book, her eyes barely able to read at the moment as her ears were focused on the stranger’s phone conversation. She tried to avoid it, but she couldn’t help herself, she turned to them, tilting her head slightly with a concerned look. “Is everything okay?”

he’d been on the phone with his boss—his actual boss, the boss that controlled the flow of his pay back in central city. with all the heroes on call in metropolis, he didn’t exactly have time for a nine to five job back back home. he had enough vacation days stored up, but he’d been trying to eek a few more paid days out of him, because he had lives to save, but he also had bills to pay, and being a superhero wasn’t exactly a lucrative business (at least, not the way he did it).  

but his boss refused to budge, which meant that hopefully this whole thing would be settled sooner or later, so he could get back home, protect his own city and come to the call of the league when they needed him. he hung up the phone, pushed a hand through his hair—he didn’t like taking the bus, but he didn’t have a car here and he was doing his best to be as inconspicuous as possible. barry usually played it on the safe side, running through the city, even at super speed, was reserved for flash. “hmm?” he glanced up, caught but the sound of lorena’s voice as it took a moment for his mind to register that it was him she was talking to. “ah, yeah. everything is fine. thank you for asking,” he smiled a bit and nodded to her. “just work. i’m sure you get it. daily grind and all of that exciting and necessary stuff.” he paused, wondering where she’d come from. yikes, was he that stuck in his own head? his situational awareness could use some work. “how’re classes going? liking them still?”

[flcshspeed]

“Do you think it’s possible for me to gain the ability to perform actual Jedi mind tricks by getting stuck in the explosion of another Kree Psyche-Magnitron? Is that something that can be achieved, and should I even dream about such things? I don’t know, it would make my life a whole lot easier.” 

“i’d say theoretically yes, but it’s not like i’m the chief knowledge on your skills. it would be a neat trick, then you’d have a fun new catch phrase—use the force, ms. danvers.” 

[flcshspeed]

“What are you? My SPONSOR?” Jessica didn’t even look up to see who’d strode through the door and into Alias Investigation, she didn’t need to look up to know their eyes were on her - passing judgement. They typically were.

“—no.” barry regarded her, wondering if she actually had a sponsor. in his admittedly limited knowledge on the subject, most people who were clever enough to use the reference must have had some sort of knowledge on sponsors and the like. “but if i was, i’d tell you that everyone falls off the wagon sometimes,” he offered with a shrug.

[flcshspeed]

@haljcrdn

“okay, but i’m just saying that angela is going to steal my case load, and then she’s gonna take my job, and then she’s gonna become my boss and then she’s going to fire me. also, alright, my last paid vacation day is tomorrow and then i’m dipping into my sick hours and i save those sick hours for when the world is actively ending. which means that i’ll probably just have to extend the vacation and not be paid for it...we’re going to have to cut the cable bill. because, what, we need electricity and water, and i can’t not have air conditioning i run hot—but then i won’t get to record that nova special on the radioactive isotope planetary measurement system and that’s a really cool documentary.” he took a break from his ranting to pop about three baby carrots into his mouth, one hand wrapped around the entire bag that would most likely be finished before the hour was up. in addition to being a stunning eater, he was also a nervous eater. and he was nervous right now. not in the hyper-active frantic sense that most normally assumed of him, but in a terse and huffy attitude that he rarely showed to anyone else. everyone had their own problems, he didn’t like adding his own on top of them. but this was hal, and hal was obligated to share his problems. 

“—and i get that we need to be here, i get it, this isn’t good, people were killed, public opinion is at an all time low. i get it. but i have a job and bills and responsibilities and...and documentaries i’d like to watch, and i don’t think that makes me a bad person.” he did think that made him a bad person, really. he felt selfish, which was general a feeling he tried to avoid. he knew, logically, that he couldn’t be there for everyone, all the time. he knew that he also had his own life to handle. but that didn’t make it any easier. it was a catch 22, he would never feel entirely justified in spending time on himself, or for himself.  he jammed a few more carrots into his mouth, snapping them as he pulled his shirt over his head and dropped it into the pile in the corner of the room that they’d unceremoniously dubbed the laundry corner. hotel rooms didn’t come with hampers, and barry hadn’t thought to bring one, mostly because he didn’t realize how long they’d be staying. and technically, both he and hal could have stayed at home, and just traveled back and forth with relative ease...but the hotel was paid for, and barry had vacation days—they’d made do with what they could. 

“and then,” he started, as he talked behind a hand he’d brought up to politely cover his mouth full of carrot. “then this whole double bats thing, which is really weird, honestly, because i don’t think bruce would keep something like this from us. i mean we’re all on the same team i get that some things have to be separate, but this is important. so that means there’s someone out there doing a very good batman impersonation, and that someone probably also knows that bruce is batman...” he pulled his pants off, losing his balance for a brief second and propping himself up with an elbow on the wall. in the suitcase, he grabbed the first pair of sweatpants he could find and pulled them on before he dropped down on the edge of the bed. it was a nice bed, with plush pillows and a comforter that did not smell anything like what he was used too—he’d gotten spoiled over the years, his own home had a particular scent to it that made him feel safe, as most homes do. but their bed, to barry at least, had always smelled overwhelmingly of hal. 

speaking of—barry looked up at his pilot, and sighed a bit out his nose. he shouldn’t be so negative, really. they could be at least trying to enjoy themselves with the little down time that they had. but here he was, whining about everything that had happened and about the fact that he might not get to watch his documentary, which, really...wasn’t even that big of a deal. whenever he did think of hal (which was most of the time), things got snapped into perspective very quickly. so what if they were a little short on money this month. that’d be okay...they’d be fine. he reached out his hand and laced his fingers into hal’s. “you want some baby carrots? or maybe we could go out and get something. or order room service since the bill is taken care of...” barry wiggled his eyebrows at him, and pulled hal down on the bed beside him. “sorry...” he muttered, into the plush collar of hal’s flight jacket. the rasp of the leather felt familiar and comforting on his bare skin. “i just needed to bitch for a bit, i’m good now.”

[flcshspeed]

the moment real trouble started, theresa had made a run for it. she wasn’t prepared to fight for strangers in a strange city. absolutely fucking not. nevertheless, an alcohol addled brain can only do so many sensible things before it swandives and the initial adrenaline rush had gotten her as far as a cleaning closet a few floors up. in which her drunken ass fell asleep almost immediately. clutching a mop. like that would protect her against these psycho metropolites…

dreary eyed and with one hell of a hangover — terry was now trying to work her way down and out of wayne enterprises without being noticed, but she didn’t get very far before someone was in her way. god, how many people were dead now?                had thirty become three hundred?           what time was it?

she didn’t want to know. she just wanted to leave.

“ time to be on your way, tight arse. ”

usually, he worked off the general assumption that if someone was carrying around a mop like a bo staff, they were in some type of trouble. generally. so, when he saw the girl—he didn’t recognize her, and he had a good way with faces—his brow furrowed as he glance behind her. she didn’t look like she was being chased. “uh...yeah, i’ll be on my way,” he said placidly, holding up his hands in an effort to appear neutral. “just want to make sure you’re alright...you look a little bit ah—” he gestured at her makeshift weapon. “look a little bit like you’re ready for a throw down.”

[flcshspeed]

Text || Bella Gregory

barbara: i just can't help but wonder, you know?

barbara: i mean it's a great way to get people off his trail, put both of them in one room.

barbara: but he couldn't have known the joker was gonna turn up. no one could have predicted that.

barbara: apart from fake!batman apparently.

barry:...well either way the heats off him for now. stranger things have happened. we'll figure it out it'll be fine.

barry: he was a good fighter though...not many people who could pull that off that narrows the search, i'd say we're looking at ex military.

[flcshspeed]

Text || Bella Gregory

barbara: pinky promise

barbara: and we're sure bruce didn't plan this? i know i should believe him but that guy's suit was almost a perfect replica, like he'd taken it straight from the batcave.

barry: alright i'll take your word on it

barry: i don't think bruce would do something like this without telling any of us. he's secretive but he usually keeps us...relatively in the loop? especially on something this big.

barry: but maybe he thought it would be more realistic if we didn't know

barry:...i still say he's telling the truth i've got no reason to doubt him.

[flcshspeed]

Text || Bella Gregory

barbara: i'm alright, i promise.

barbara: it all just got a bit hectic.

barry: pinky promise

barry: yeah well it's still hectic...we're all looking for him. no luck yet, but let me know if you have anything to check out, i'll run down there.

[flcshspeed]

Text || Bella Gregory

barry: you alright?

barry: didn't see you after just checking in

[flcshspeed]

      ❛   ━ if i could rearrange the alphabet, i’d put  ‘  u  ’  and  ‘  i  ’  together.   ❜

“—alright, i’ll give you that one. that was cute.” 

[flcshspeed]

“Well, you look quite lovely this evening.” Bobbi complimented, smoothing down her green evening gown and attempting a small smile. She was tired, but she managed to hide the bags under her eyes with make up. Her family was planning her cousin’s funeral and it was painful for Bobbi to act shocked– as if she had no idea that the attacks happened in the first place. “You know, I think I saw some shrimp at one of the tables. I’ve gone back twice, you think you could come back with me and act as if I’m showing you around?” she teased lightly.

he laughed at the very idea that he hadn’t already been to every single table of food this place had to offer at least ten times over. “ah—y’know, i’d love to, but i doubt anyone would buy that. i’m sure i’ve been there more than you have. but we can go together and act like we’re bringing stuff back for other people,” he teased, winking at her playfully and sliding one hand into his suit pocket. “well thank you, i tried. it’s been a long time since i’ve had a reason to wear a tux. i think i literally haven’t worn one since prom which was...” he winced, shaking his head. “an embarrassingly long time ago. but you look beautiful tonight—not that it’s different from any other night.”

[flcshspeed]

Sure, her former costume - that horrible, dreadful thing - had been in a league of its own, but that didn’t mean Carol Danvers had any real fondness for the cumbersome dress she had chosen for this particular event. It was remarkably tight in all the wrong places and demanded to be pulled at and tugged whenever she made the mistake of making any sudden movements. So, without turning around to have a proper look at the person stood next to her, the blonde took a sip of her undoubtedly fancy and ridiculously expensive mineral water before opening her mouth to speak. “Do you think they make party gowns out of that worn in T-shirt material?” 

“i’ve got no idea, can’t say i’m really the expert on that area...but i’ll take your word for it if you say they do,” he teased, before offering her his gathered plate that was stacked high with nearly every appetizer the event had to offer. “spring roll? or crab cake? or sausage? i mean i’ve got everything here so you can just take your pick.” he popped some sort of miniature stuffed jalapeno into his mouth before nodding at her. “you look great by the way. it’s a beautiful dress. i’m sorry it’s uncomfortable.”

[flcshspeed]

Standing behind the carved mahogany double doors, Bruce adjusted his cuff-links and straightened his tie.Had Alfred been there he would have no doubted scolded him for stalling for time. And as per usual, the old man would have been right. In the wake of the attacks this event was too tempting a target, and with too many variables it was impossible to cover every scenario. But as Alfred had pointed out, the Prodigal Son of Gotham had obligations, especially when they were taking place in his building, with his money. Looking once more into the mirror hanging from the wall, he slipped into the character of the irresponsible playboy and burst through the doors leading into the main room.

“Friends, family, assorted hangers on!” He announced loudly. “How many orphanages do I have to build to get a drink round here!” Socialite Bruce Wayne was an insensitive jerkass. He nudged the arm of the person nearest to him. “It was two, by the way. And a new wing for a hospital.” 

barry wasn’t so used to the persona bruce wore when he was out in public. sure, he’d seen it. seen it in interviews and events of the sort, but he’d never been face to face with it...mostly because he wasn’t in the same social circle, or, you know, city. regardless, it was always a bit jarring, he didn’t quite know how to interact with a batman that wasn’t being...batman. barry, more or less, for better or worse, didn’t exactly have that same sort of separate persona to work with. he was the same in and out of the costume, aside from a few personality quirks that he tried his best not to carry over. then again, he wasn’t in the spotlight like bruce was. bruce had a much more intensive battle to protect his cover—particularly now.

“seems like an awful lot to go through just for a drink. i hope it was a strong one,” he said, laughing a bit and nodding to the drinks on the side of the wall. “but you’ve got the most variety to choose from then i’ve ever seen so i’d say pick your poison, you’ve probably got it.”

[flcshspeed]

Zatanna was in the process of finishing off her drink- only her second, she wasn’t here to be ridiculous- when Barry stepped in front of her. She greeted him with a smile, albeit a smaller one than was characteristic. His compliment, however, added some true warmth behind it, and left her feeling a little less out of sorts. “Thanks, Barry. I’m just… Worried about all this.”

Her gesture at the whole inner contents of the fancy building was a bit vague, but she trusted him to know what she meant. Call it ‘hero paranoia’ or just healthy worry. It felt good to help, definitely, but did gathering like this make them a bigger target? All she could do was be prepared, she supposed, and try not to put a damper on everything. Right, fun, helpful evening. She tried another playful smile at Barry, and nodded. “I am definitely better than Hal, and, yes, dancing sounds perfect right about now.”

he understood that. it was natural to be nervous—especially since if someone wanted to make some noise, a ballroom full of metropolis socialites seemed to be a pretty alluring option. but with all of them there, he had tried to set aside his every present gnawing worry. let them try, there was a room full of leaguers and associates around to stop them, not to mention the avengers, and he’d even seen a few x men. 

“don’t worry,” he said easily, offering out his hand to her. “we’ve got this under control. besides, you are here, and you are easily the best of us all,” he said with a playful wink, honest in his flattery. zatanna was amazing, and he didn’t really miss out on a opportunity to make sure any of his colleagues knew they were both admired and appreciated. he’d seen her do some truly amazing things. besides, they’d had enough grief over the past few weeks...she and everyone else deserved just a bit of a good time. the benefit was a good way to do that—some fun and some good done in one swing, two birds with one stone. “good, then maybe you can teach me a thing or two. promise not to laugh at me, you’ve got to make me look good.”

[flcshspeed]

Diana made her dues, chatting with businessmen and politicians extensively  though as the night wore on she found herself regretting her lack of anonymity. Things had been far easier when she could hide in civilian clothing, as Diana Prince Ambassador of Peace that wasn’t so often possible. When the group she was with began to line up for yet another photo session, she glanced around for a familiar face. “Gentlemen, if you’ll excuse me…” She said before ducking away and catching their arm with an exhale. “I hope you don’t mind, I needed a moment of escape.”

he’d been in the middle of taking a bite of what must of been his tenth sausage roll when he felt an a hand on his arm. “mm—” he quickly swallowed, pressing the back of his hand to his mouth before he smiled and winked at her. “anything for you diana. can you blame them? i kind of want my picture with you too,” he teased, and then offered her a sausage roll from his plate. “want one? they’re great.”