there is no outrunning grief.

leonard snart / captain cold.

[wintcry]

evan-mcculloch​:

-

Evan cocked his head, as he so often did to call Snart on something he’d said without even needing to verbalise it. The pair had quite a few private gestured like that. Ways of asking if the other was okay, if they needed something or, in this case, if the other was full of it. “Ah yes, it’s Flash’s fault really. If he’d let me kill tha’ waste of space of a doctor than we’d all be carrying on as normal about now.” he rolled his shattered eyes, “I suppose he did kill me, in a way. M’not the same man I was before.” he smirked, “M’something more now. Something better.” He could do things he couldn’t do before, his powers were so much stronger. He was what Inglo’s machine needed to save this world. To take away all the bad things in it and make it perfect. Every day he grew a little closer and all he needed to do was ensure Mr. Summers stayed full occupied while his clone did its work. His success was all but assured by now.

“A party? Fer me?” he chuckled, “Ya really should’ve. I hope there was an ungodly amount o’drink there. Tell me at least Digger was so far gone he threw his guts up more than once?” It had always struck him as a little funny how badly the Aussie held his drink. When Snart stepped closer he stood straight, no longer leaning on the frame, “S’not. M’here.” he told the other, “I never went away. I watched ye a lot. But, ya just could’ne see me back.” he licked his lips, “But now ya can. And I’m sure soon I’ll be able ta get back to tha real world and finish what needs ta be done.”

“Oh aye.” he nodded, “I plan on it. Ya can’t rid o’me so easy. M’like a bad penny.” he cocked his head when Snart enquired about his work, “Ahh, that’s need ta know right now. Can’t risk upsetting progress. Ya can’t go blabbing ta anyone that I’m still here either. Not even tha other rogues. I’ve got someone helping me get tha info I need. Once M’ready I’ll come fer ya.”      

//

Leonard hates the person that he can become when getting to that drunken state. If it’s just a beer or two? He felt fine but after getting to the point of being tipsy it just reminds him of his father. The very thought of that makes his skin crawl and he would do anything to avoid this feeling. He never wanted to become that awful man, thinking about how he’s still out there existing in his old, old age. Life can be so cruel sometimes in how the worst people get to live out their lives. The abusive piece of shit deserves to rot but that’s a problem for another day. He’s too busy trying to figure out what’s going on with Evan suddenly showing up in his mirror. He doesn’t know what to make of it. This is too perfect to be a trick. Nobody else is capable of making this happen. Snart doesn’t really understand though . . . but it’s clearly whatever happened with Barry did something to Evan. If he entertains the idea of this all being real and not some illusion in his own head. “Well you know how Flash is . . . always trying to save the day. No scenario would have him letting you kill anyone.” He’s a genius but when it comes to what’s technical. This? He’s unsure what to make of it all. “What are you saying? You did die and got reborn somehow? Evan I wasn’t fucking there. What happened?”

There’s silence for a moment but the mention of the party in his honor had to happen. Leonard wanted his boy to know that they all cared about him by doing what Rogues do best — wreck shit. “We spent a fortune on booze. All your favorites too.”  He even manages to laugh too, the thought of Digger taking it too far and throwing up is quite the disgusting mental image. “He did. The idiot doesn’t know how to pace himself. He threw up twice. One of those times was all over Rainbow Raider’s shoes.” Bivolo had that coming to him though, so it amuses Snart to remember all. He wonders if anyone got any footage from the shenanigans that night? “You’ve been alive all this time and haven’t come out to see me? I’ve been grieving you. I thought you were gone.” He doesn’t mean to raise his voice but shit. His fingers push through his hair and he takes a few deep breaths. “What are you talking about? What needs to be done?”

He squints when it’s obvious Evan isn’t going to tell him anything. “You realize how fucked that is? I have to continue pretending to go through this grief process? I miss you but fine. I won’t say anything. I’ll wait for when you’ll grace me with another visit.” He’s worried too, wondering what’s going on. It isn’t like them to keep those kinds of secrets from each other.

[wintcry]

theblackcanarybird​:

Dinah stepped out the cage after a brutal cage fight that had people roaring up a storm. Singing gigs were good and usually less violent but it wasn’t a dependable source of income. There was always someone to fight and underground fight clubs? They cashed in well. That and it attracted the kind of people she wanted to stop. The kind of people she wouldn’t feel guilty about beating up on. However, some of them did pack a punch. Ordering a beer, she was about to take a sip but she held the ice cold can to her cheek instead, soothing the bruise before it could swell.

//

Leonard had been walking down the pavement, hands in the pockets of his leather jacket. He was initially trying to get some errands done but decided on heading to somewhere else entirely. There was something about some cage fight going on but he stayed near the bar away from the crowd. He does like watching people fight, always impressive to see what skill sets people have. He’d never participate though. He rests an opened can of beer in his own hand. He looks over as the woman stops next to him. “I’d hate to see the other guy.”

[wintcry]

makeminemusic​:

Hartley’s quiet sniffles elicited tiny squeaks from behind them. He patted the other’s backside in gentle motions in the midst of their embrace. A small grin crept past his lips before pulling away after a few moments. He wiped the corners of his eyelids with his left knuckle, humming in acknowledgement at Leonard’s confession. 

“I kinda figured it out when you were trying to eulogize him at the funeral,” he said. “Even before that, if I dare say. Either way, you know my office is always open, y’know, if you ever need anything. Don’t be a stranger. Once your Rogue, always your Rogue. Digger can fuck off, though. No offense. He’s a pain in the ass.”

//

Leonard doesn’t usually do this . . . acting so soft in this sense of the word. He opened up his heart to his friends and little sister but that’s a different way of handling his feelings. Romance hasn’t ever been part of his life but then Evan changed all of it. Even if neither of them knew what they were doing at first and realized only much later on that in all actuality they were a couple longer than anyone thought. He separated from the embrace with Hartley so he could get settled inside. There wasn’t much but it’s home. “All the decorations were all Lisa. She forced me to bring some life into this place.” He chuckles a bit before moving to sit down on one of the couches.

“Seven years. Which isn’t a long time in the grand scheme of things but it felt like it to me. I tried giving him a good party. He would have wanted it, you know?” He leans back against the furniture with a groan. “I’ll never be a stranger with you. You have an office? Well look at you getting an actual job. Digger is always a pain in the ass. He’s family but a damn annoying part of it. I’m sure Evan would have loved seeing him getting drunk at his funeral.”

[wintcry]

propertyofjoker​:

-

Harley made a soft scoffing sound when Leonard said he’d never had a snow cone, as if offended by such an admission, but then she giggled as she twirled the ends of her pigtail around one finger. “Lenny, if I had icy powers I’d be makin’ snow cones fer breakfast!” Grinning, she hopped up and sat on the back of the couch to watch him do the dishes, swinging her legs to and fro.

“Really?” She squealed excitedly, clapping her hands together. “Yay! ‘Kay, so the convenience store on the corner’s got cherry syrup an’ Twinkies, so I think we outta go there first.” It was the logical solution and the best way to kill two birds with one stone. Jumping off the couch, she grabbed Leonard’s sleeve and tugged at him impatiently. “Ya don’t mind bein’ seen with me, right? I know ya gotta act like yer all reformed an’ all, arencha afraid I’m gonna ruin yer new, squeaky clean rep?”

//

Leonard never thought about making snow cones before but maybe that’s due to always having something more important on his mind. There wasn’t much that the man does to unwind. God knows that he needs it after recent events too. He can’t always turn to alcohol to solve his problems since it just makes him feel rotten the next morning. Besides drinking is dangerous to begin with since alcoholism tends to run in his family. This isn’t about that though. ”Breakfast? Aren’t they usually a snack you eat between lunch and dinner?” He laughs while finally giving his friend his full attention. “I don’t know shit abut snow cones so I could be wrong.” He shrugs his shoulders, preparing for their venture to the store.

“Yeah, really. I’ll make you all the snow cones you want.” Leonard wants to be cool and maybe this will be a good distraction from all the bullshit in his life right now. “I hope the Twinkies aren’t meant to be put on the snow cones somehow.” How would that even work? He thinks that sounds disgusting but the cherry syrup sounds alright. Harley is already pulling him toward the door and Leonard is following her. “I don’t mind being seen with you. We aren’t doing anything wrong and I’m not really worried about what people think. Never have been. You’re my friend and dammit we’re going to get that cherry syrup.” He nudges the door open with his foot and holds it open for her to leave first.

[wintcry]

colonelrickflagjr​:

-

The place didn’t look bad. Crossing his arms, he nodded as his gaze roved around the room, but his eyes narrowed when Leonard said he’d helped people during the crisis. It wasn’t that he didn’t believe it, because he knew he was capable of good things. He’d read his file. There were plenty of cold, calculating villains, most of them irredeemable, but they weren’t all the same. Leonard wasn’t one of them. Maybe that was why he treated him respectfully in spite of who he was and what he’d done in the past. 

“Did you know anything about Joker’s plan?” He asked directly, meeting his eyes. It was a question he was obligated to ask everyone after the stunt Joker pulled. The answer was one he already anticipated. Joker never let anyone else share in his glory, not even Harley, and even if Leonard played a part it wasn’t as if he’d admit it. Even if he wanted to do the right thing, the clown didn’t take well to betrayal. 

//

“Do I look like the type of person who hangs out with Joker? I didn’t know anything about his plan. The two of us always exited in different circles. However, I do know Harley but the last time I saw her we were making snow cones. I’m telling the truth, Rick. I didn’t know about what went down.” Leonard might be a criminal but he doesn’t care for schemes that try to destroy cities. It wasn’t his thing because of all the innocent people who could get hurt. He pushes his fingers through his hair, leaning against the wall in his living room, gaze looking over at Rick.

Will he believe him is the real quest here. “Why would I get involved with a plan that would hurt kids? Women? I hate that shit.” He doesn’t explain any further, saying his side of the story and now it’s up to the younger man to form his opinion on it.

[wintcry]

makeminemusic​:

The warmth of the other’s embrace betrayed Leonard’s alias. Short breaths rose and fell, alleviating some of the tension between his shoulders. Few understood the significance of the Rogues in Hartley’s life. At a time when he was at his lowest, he found community with the miscreants. 

“Leonard,” he snorted. “You’ve known me for almost ten years. It’s hard not to worry about you. Losing Evan was tough on you. Heck, it was tough on all of us. Forget about how I’ve been feelin’. I’m fine.”

//

All too often Leonard can be seen as only what his alias can offer — bitter cold and ice coating anything that he touched. He tried for a while to keep his heart protected in the heart of a snowstorm that never stops raging but eventually some learned how to make it through the bitterness. He learned to let people in, even if the list is typically only the rogues and a few select others. This dysfunctional family gave him hope and now at a moment in his life where his emotions are at an all time low . . . having Hartley here is comforting.

“Hartley. You’ve always been too good at knowing how I’m feeling despite whatever front I’ve put up around myself. Losing Evan was really hard on me. I never thought that I’d have to say goodbye so soon.” This grief hurt more than any other loss . . . and he’ll be damned if anyone else picks up the Mirror Master mantle. “It’s always hard losing one of our own but Evan was MORE to me. I loved him, shit, I finally said that out loud.”

[wintcry]

evan-mcculloch​:

-

Evan merely cocked his head as the other struggled over his name, “Aye.” he nodded, “Ya drinking again ya ol’fool? I thought we talked bout ya not doin’ that.” Evan wasn’t allowed drugs and Snart avoided alcohol, they both had their demons it seemed. Though, since being within the mirrorverse, they’re finally quiet. Now all that dominates his thoughts is finishing the work Inglo’s machine started, it’s relaxing in it’s own single-minded way. “Still, I cannae criticise, I’ve fallen off tha’ wagon enough times meself as ya well know.” he chuckled and stepped to the side, leaning a forearm above his head against the glass, looking out towards Snart.

“I died?” he blinked, feigning confusion, “Nah. I didn’e die. Something bad still happened though. Flash got me hit with tha’ beam and it… changed whatever I am. Made me a being o’this world now.” he gestured about him, “I cannae come back through a mirror now. But I can use’em without even needing the suit.” he sighed and looked down, “I saw things goin’ on… I tried to call ta ya… But ya couldn’e see me.”

“M’getting stronger though.” he smirked, his fractured eyes difficult to read, “Ya can see me now afta’all. M’not gone.” he shook his head, “I’m still’ere. And I’ve work ta do.” The most important work of his life.  

//

Drinking — something Leonard should avoid. He usually tries to avoid whiskey or anything that would make the world spin with a single shot. He knows how dangerous dabbling into the beverages can be with addiction being part of his family history. His father an alcoholic and witnessed firsthand what happened when a pack of beer was brought home. He learned to hide and be quiet. He was meant to be seen and not heard . . . but sometimes even Snart will let himself have a drink or two. “I might have had a few beers but it doesn’t really matter.” His eyes looking over at Evan in the mirror. He doesn’t know if this is real or just his mind trying to make himself feel better. He waited everyday for this to happen . . . for the man he loved to reappear like this was some elaborate joke. It wasn’t but Leonard still doesn’t understand this . . . he’s never hallucinated before. Grief does weird things though, doesn’t it?

“Flash told me what happened to you. He told me that you were gone so I planned a funeral. All the Rogues came and we threw a party in your honor because I know that’s what you would have wanted. Ridiculous amount of money spent on booze and shit.” The speeches were nice — memories shared about one of their own. He doesn’t know what to do . . . but takes a step closer to the mirror. “You better not be bullshitting me. This is real? Not in my head?” He placed a hand on the mirror but something about knowing Evan can’t come out creates a new ache in his chest.

Who else knows about this? It’s a question Leonard is pondering but doesn’t bring it up yet. “Do you think you’ll be able to figure out a way to come out of the mirrorverse?” He’ll entertain this as something actually happening . . . clinging onto any hope of being with his boy again. “What work? What are you planning?” There’s worry being felt and can’t pinpoint as to why yet but doesn’t let that tone show in his voice. “What are you up to?”

[wintcry]

makeminemusic​:

It took every bit of willpower to fight back another curse upon hearing Leonard ask for a hug. Moon watched the scene from a few feet away. The sight of his owner and old colleague was one he hadn’t witnessed since their time in Iron Heights. 

Hartley, in the meanwhile, recalled the time following his release. No one other than his rats were in his company. He thought about Leonard, holding his breath at the thought of what those bastards were doing to him. He believed the elder was a strong-willed man, but that warden was notorious for breaking anyone in his facilities. 

“Make an appointment, obviously,” he snorted, making haste with his feet, outstretching his arms and reaching for the other’s embrace, sniffles progressing into quiet whimpers. He took a deep inhale through his nostrils in an effort to collect himself.

“I’m glad you’re okay, old man. You had me worried.”

//

Leonard had never been scared of the warden of Iron Heights. There wasn’t much that could break him, the universe has already taken one of the people who meant everything to him, so there isn’t much else that could make him crumble further. He could think of the list but isn’t going to give fate any ideas.

Snart thought it was amusing how power hungry the guards are but doesn’t think they really exactly who they’re messing with. They’re criminals and most of them geniuses in their own areas of expertise. They could probably dance circles around any of them but yet the warden makes sure the Rogues are treated like trash.

“Well, lets get started on the paperwork then . . .” Leonard manages to laugh, while watching his friend quickly approaching him. He wraps him up in a tight embrace, hands rubbing at Hartley’s back after hearing the whimpering. “You’ve been worried about me? I’m okay, I promise.” He’s working on it at least and isn’t that better than nothing?

“How are you feeling?”

[wintcry]

evan-mcculloch​:

When: Present Day Where: Star City - Snart’s Apartment With: Leonard @wintcry​

Things were chaotic in the city, the fallout of that damn clown had scuppered up the progress his Clone was able to make and he was growing impatient. Thoughts, needs and desires swirled nebulously in his mind demanding one thing, one final perfect result. So he needed to establish more contacts. Getting into the real world was still beyond his capabilities but he grew stronger every day. Appearing to people was easy now and he had a person in mind; one he was sure would do anything he asked. 

Evan appeared in the full length mirror in Snart’s bedroom and waited for an annoyingly long time before the man himself entered the room. Snart didn’t even seem to notice him for a few moments and Evan waited, crossing his arms and lent against the mirror frame, or so it would appear. His simple clothes, grey jogging pants and white t-shirt at odds with the suit he usually needed to appear this way. 

“Usually yer much quicker’a noticing when I pop-up Snart.” he finally said, voice light and conversational.  

//

Everything has been tense in the city and Leonard didn’t contribute to the chaos this time. It could be the fact he’s still coping with losing Evan. The last citywide disorder that occurred the two thieves robbed some shops together. He would just think about this if he tried doing something on his own with recent events. Snart typically claims not being sentimental but he can’t deny it right now. Each day gets a little easier but you don’t just move on from losing someone you love. He has many regrets . . . especially not getting to express to Evan about those feelings before the tragic accident. He’ll always feel remorse about not getting to tell his boy those three words.

He stumbled into his bedroom, a few beers in his system but barely gets his jacket off before a familiar voice fills the silence. Leonard tosses the leather garment on the mattress while glancing over at the full length mirror. Something the older man only brought into his apartment as an easy gateway for his boyfriend to come and go through as he pleased. It was for him.

“Evan?” His voice shaky, blinking a few times while trying to come up with something witty to say. This can’t be real. “I’ve had too much to drink . . . this can’t be real. You died! I had a funeral for you . . . all the Rogues came . . . so how are you here right now?”

[wintcry]

makeminemusic​:

“Family” Reunion || Hartley & Leonard

@wintcry​

Evan’s funeral was a somber event for the Rogues, without a doubt. Losing one of their own further cemented to Hartley that they were like family. Though he spoke briefly of how Evan was like a brother to him, the words fell short from the tears he struggled to hold back. 

His move to Star City came at an opportune time. He only caught wind of the news while unpacking his equipment to set up in his lab. Though the disbandment of NOVA was great news, he had its doubts it would affect the greater good. Villains will always be around, regardless of NOVA. A light smirk tugged at the corner of his lips at the thought.

Sure enough, Moon scurried his way onto one of the tables, tilting his head up towards his master with a few squeaks. Hartley hummed affirmatively, scooping the rat in his hands before making his way towards the open door in the front. He sucked in a sharp breath, stopping in place upon recognizing the man within his sightlines. Lips pursed tight as Moon carefully climbed up onto his owner’s shoulder. 

Hartley’s approach was slow but cautious. His breath was caught in his throat, recalling the collective mood during the funeral. The tears prickled in the corner of his eyelids, forcing the man to rub them vigorously with the back of his hand.

“Leonard,” he managed to choke out. “I swear, if you start crying on me, I’ll kick your ass.”

//

The funeral wasn’t easy for any of the Rogues that showed up since they’ve always been one large dysfunctional family. Leonard always wanted to provide somewhere that they could belong. He never had that growing up until his path crossed with Mick when they were teenagers. Which feels like such a long time ago now that he’s fifty-one years old but hardly ever feels like it.

Losing Evan is probably the hardest thing Leonard has ever gone through. They were together for practically seven years when you really looked at it . . . and now he’s just gone. He still doesn’t know how to be okay.

Distractions have been getting the man through each day and upon hearing that Hartley opened up a new laboratory in the city, Leonard decided to pay him a visit. While some of the Rogues continued to work together after the ban, others went their own ways. No matter what decisions were made, Snart still viewed them as family. The loyalty never ended.

He hasn’t seen Hartley since the funeral service but it was nice knowing a friendly face was staying around. They had been cellmates in prison for a while too. “Hartley.” He wasn’t the kind of person to cry often but he smiles for the first time in days it feels like. “I’ll do my best not to. What’s an old man got to do for a hug around here?” He asks while opening his arms slightly after taking one more step through the doorway.

[wintcry]

propertyofjoker​:

@wintcry

LIKED for a starter! 🍭

Grinning, she sat up and folded her arms on the back of the couch. "Hey, can I have a snow cone? long sigh. She'd shown up at his apartment about an hour ago and showed no signs of leaving. Being able to see the rest of the rogues was a nice break from dealing with Joker's wrath, which was out of control now that he knew about Batman. As far as she was concerned, it put her squarely in the hot seat. It didn't matter that she had nothing to do with pressing the button.

Grinning, she sat up and folded her arms on the back of the couch. "Hey, can I have a snowcone? Freeze never makes 'em," she pleaded, pouting at him and purposefully making her eyes as large as possible. "Pretty pretty please? With sugar an' cherries an'... ohh. We gotta go ta the store. C'mon! I'll put on my big sunglasses an' no one'll recognize me!"

//

“I can’t say that I’ve ever made a snow cone.” Leonard manages to grin at the request. He opened his home to Harley an hour ago and doesn’t know what the purpose of her visit is yet but she doesn’t seem to be leaving anytime soon. He needed a friend right now, so the man decided, why not? He debates it for a moment and it couldn’t be too hard. He leans in the doorway while a towel is in his hands to dry them since they were wet from doing the dishes.

Alright . . . Snart takes a step forward and throws the cloth aside before approaching Harley in the living room. “I’ll make you a snow cone.” He can alter a component in his cold gun so it comes out more like snow rather than ice. He’s a genius after all. “Two villains walk into a grocery store . . . ah, that isn’t how that saying goes.” Leonard is grabbing his phone and wallet to slide them into his pocket. He even decided to grab a pair of sunglasses out of one of the drawers and holds them in his hands. This way they’ll both be wearing a pair. “Lets go shopping.”

[makeminemusic-deactivated202105]

Undisputed leader,

You were once a sad kid with no purpose

But you figured shit out on your own

Without you, I’d be nothing

None of us would be here

Always and forever, you’re like family to me

And nobody fucks with my family

-Hartley Rathaway about Leonard Snart

For @wintcry

[wintcry]

colonelrickflagjr​:

@wintcry​ LIKED for a starter! 🎖️

The aftermath of NOVA’s influence left a strange calm over the city that was largely unsettling. Rick went about his routine as usual, reading over his files and the various criminals that he were due for a check-in. It made him feel like a glorified probation officer most of the time instead of a soldier. At least he’d leave the damn tie at home. 

Leonard Snart was one of the few he didn’t worry about too much. He was doing well, staying out of trouble from the look of it, and this visit was mostly obligatory. It was scheduled and so he’d go, even though there were more concerning people to follow up on. 

“Were you at the bridge yesterday?” It was one of the many questions that he’d be repeating ad nauseum for the next two weeks. Rick had been there, but not at the time of the explosion and not for very long.

//

For once Leonard doesn’t have anything to do with the chaos taking place in the city. He behaved himself but maybe that has something to do with Evan dying. He doesn’t know what to do with himself quite yet. The last time there was a citywide disaster they had been looting businesses together. Those old memories would haunt him if he tried so instead Leonard focused his attention elsewhere and any thoughts of thievery can be planned for another day that wouldn’t be full of ghosts.

He let Rick come inside his apartment, not as bare compared to when he first moved into the city. He wasn’t much of a decorator but his sister gave him some tips. She was always better at that sort of thing.

“No. I was observing all the people panic out in the streets and helped some of them who looked like they needed it.” He might be a villain but even Snart has a heart at a time of crisis. The Rogues have always been different with their moral code. “I heard about what happened with the bridge though . . . awful.”

[out-of-context-flash]

The Flash (1987) #195

[wintcry]

@evan-mcculloch

[wintcry]

kingofallspxce​:

One broadcast and people were already starting to panic. Teddy stood atop a parked van, trying desperately to calm the people that rushed around him in all directions. He had shifted himself, thinking maybe the sight of a familiar face in Hulkling would put people at a little more ease, but it didn’t seem to be making a difference. Excelsior sat at his side in its waist-holster. The sword wasn’t exactly the most practical weapon, especially for a bomb threat, but Teddy’s line of thinking had been hopeful maybe it would help his attempts to calm people down.

“Everyone, listen to me! Just try to stay calm and go to your homes!” He called out, adding an artificial gruffness to his voice that was more reminiscent of his Young Avengers days spent emulating the Hulk’s anger and rage. “I’m certain there are other heroes in this City that are already at work trying to put an end to this threat!”

Explosions don’t bother Leonard much after a lifetime surrounding himself in an unsavory lifestyle. He just leans against one of the buildings observing as people are scrambling to find an evacuation route that’s still open. His gaze watches as someone with a sword strapped to his hip is trying to give people some orders. Leonard isn’t much of a hero which might be why he’s just enjoying the chaos. He isn’t a complete asshole, stopping to help those who seem to need an extra hand . . . but leaving the city isn’t a the top of his list of things to do yet. He’ll get there eventually.

“I don’t think they’re listening, kid.” The older man finally speaks up as he takes a step toward the parked van and looking up at the stranger.

[wintcry]

you-just-hit-the-jackpot​:

mj & open to anyone in the city

The corner market across the street from their apartment was expensive, but MJ barely looked at the prices as she tossed things in her basket. Pausing at a pile of questionable avocados, she suddenly heard people yelling. She sighed heavily and set her basket on a display table, scowling, and made her way to the front of the store. “If this is another protest I’m gonna scream,” she mumbled to herself, twirling the ends of her ponytail around her fingers.

She saw the face on the billboard first, despite all the chaos going on around her. The ringing began in her ears and the shouting around her faded away to white noise. It was the same voice she heard in her nightmares and it made her entire body quake from the inside out. 

Clamping her hands over her ears, she dropped to the ground and pressed her face into her knees.

//

It’s impossible to outrun chaos, isn’t it? Leonard certainly has a way of finding it whenever he steps foot outside of his apartment. Most of the time the older man didn’t have any intentions on finding trouble. This was one of those days, heading toward one of the local markets since someone in his apartment building told him once that this is where you should go if you want the good produce. He tries to eat well but then buying groceries became the last of his worries as Leonard started realizing what was going on. It felt like another day but he certainly never had to evacuate when living in Central City or Keystone.

His eyes survey the area around him for a moment, seeing how the crowds were behaving which brought his attention to a woman on the ground. He approaches slowly, considering what to ask . . . “Ma’am? Are you hurt?”

[wintcry]

colonelrickflagjr​:

“Good. That saves us both some time.” Rick didn’t want to fight with this guy. He was always prepared to come up against resistance, even when it came to the ex-villains who’d supposedly completed their reformation, but he still did what he could to avoid it. This was a business visit. He could finish it in seven minutes. Six, if they hadn’t had this brief back and forth. Already he felt antsy. It wasn’t that he had anything to do, but he was a meticulous person. He wanted everything done when and how it was supposed to be done. 

Following Snart into the hall, he didn’t seem to do anything but give the place a cursory look over. There were things that he was looking for, however, even if he didn’t make it obvious. He was taking mental note of all the exits. Outside of this capacity he had little experience with Snart - firsthand, that is - but he’d heard plenty of things. That was enough to keep his guard up. “Simple might not be the word I’d use,” he stated dryly, but his expression didn’t show an ounce of humor. “Any weapons? Might want to tell me now. It’ll be better for you in the long run.” 

Of course, weapons were brought up. The cold gun he was working on barely looks like one. . . . just a bunch of scrap to form a base of what could be anything, taking a little more time to make his signature weapon with these kinds of materials. If anyone knew Leonard at all will know very well what’s being built. While Snart isn’t as reformed as he’s pretending to be . . . he does like having protection at home. He doesn’t trust anyone outside of his circle after seeing some the ugliest sides of humanity.

The older man clicks his tongue and sighs while leading Rick back to the entry way. “You caught me. I’m not interested in getting into trouble so if you must take it away then go ahead. I was just trying to build something that would offer some protection from any potential threats . . . like intruders. I grew up in the crime ridden side of the city so I’m just used to being cautious.” He pulls out the box from under his desk and tosses the base he build for a gun to Rick. Anything to build up some trust. “Are we good? I don’t want any problems.”