Out of the Hands of Safety

by PersonablePerson

Summary:

There are a lot of people who seem to believe that when you’re young, your life is the least complicated it will ever be. Barry’s not entirely sure that’s true. The older he gets, the answers to all those abrupt questions that get thrown at him day to day seem so much simpler. Maybe it’s the level of experience. The realization that things are going to go wrong, that you can’t plan for everything, some things are just out of your hands. One can’t always just act, but when you can act you act. So when someone he’d convinced himself he would never see again suddenly appeared back in his life, back in his brothers life. He knew he had to act and the knowledge that he had to act came above all other complications Oliver Queen carried with him.

Notes:

Whoa boy I've kept you waiting a long time so I'll keep this as short as possible. Long-term I still plan on getting through season 3 of the flash timeline wise. I'm not sticking to canon nearly as much as I planned to (and that wasn't much to begin with). This chapters unedited, I'll edit it tomorrow afternoon as I've got a major headache at the moment but I didn't want to keep you all waiting any longer since I did promise it would be up tonight. So without further ado I give you chapter one...

Chapter 1

There are a lot of people who seem to believe that when you’re young, your life is the least complicated it will ever be. Barry’s not entirely sure that’s true. The older he gets, the answers to all those abrupt questions that get thrown at him day to day seem so much simpler. Maybe it’s the level of experience. The realization that things are going to go wrong, that you can’t plan for everything, some things are just out of your hands. One can’t always just act, but when you can act you act. So when someone he’d convinced himself he would never see again suddenly appeared back in his life, back in his brothers life. He knew he had to act and the knowledge that he had to act came above all other complications Oliver Queen carried with him.
So the night Oliver Queen returned was the same night Barry returned to the Merlyn home carrying enough bags for an extended stay. And when Tommy came home that night buzzing after having dinner with his wayward best friend Barry sat with him while he watched the endless news coverage over Oliver’s return and chatted away. Knowing and understanding Tommy’s need for reaffirmation that what was happening was real was one thing. But he didn’t for one second rethink his resolve, he knew Oliver would bring trouble to them all in the long run. If anything, the feint sniffling and reddened eye’s Barry respectfully ignored, assured him that he needed to protect his brother.

His resolve only grew stronger the following day when Tommy and Oliver were kidnapped in broad daylight. Though he’d been persistent Detective Lance refused to allow him to be present while he interviewed. Realistically he knew it was to be expected, CSI’s belonged at the crime scene. The fact that there really wasn’t anything to be found only served to frustrate him further.

Later that evening he came home to Tommy in full party planning mode he didn’t really need to ask what the party was for. He just ordered a pizza and kicked back watching while Tommy bustled about making phone call after phone call to make last minute arrangements at his favorite nightclub.
Not long after the pizza arrived Tommy dropped down into his seat at the kitchen island and helped himself to a slice.

“I take it Oliver’s ready to start making up for lost time?”

“It’s going to be huge Barry, the biggest party Starling’s seen since…” he paused clearing his throat.

“You know, you’re really good at this whole party planning thing, has it ever crossed your mind to make an actual business out of it.”

“You mean carry a clipboard and binder everywhere, and learn the difference between taupe and mauve? Plan a couple weddings.” Tommy snorted stuffing his face.

“If you wanted to. You’re a visionary Tommy, some of the stuff you’ve pulled off over the years... I mean you’ve been planning parties for the richest people in Starling for ages, why not get paid for it?”

A simple “huh”, which Barry translated to, ‘I’m done with this line of concentration’. So he changed the subject once again.
“So are we still going to pretend that I didn’t catch you and Laurel on a date last week?”

Barry half expected Tommy to shoot his question down when Tommy stood from his seat but was pleasantly surprised when instead of leaving the room he burst out “We’ve been dating for a month.” Well pleasantly surprised may night be the right way to describe the way he chocked on his pizza but he was happy for his brother.

“What the fuck? How did I not know this?”

“She- we didn’t want anyone to know just yet.”

“She didn’t or you both didn’t?” His brow furrowed in concern.

“We both didn’t. At least at first.” Tommy was pacing now his shoe’s were starting to scuff the floor a bit.
“And now you do want people to know. But she doesn’t?”

“I don’t know if I do. It’s just, going to get a lot of attention. And we just got it together. And it’s great, once people know it’s going to get complicated. Especially now that-.” He cut himself off rubbing his hand down his face.

“ It’s okay to be conflicted about it all you know? I mean it’s not exactly an everyday type of situation. And if it helps, I think everyone wants to avoid their relationship getting complicated. It doesn’t make you a bad person to want to protect what you have with Laurel. It’s going to get complicated, but I think after everything you’ve been through if anyone can handle crazy levels of complicated it’s you and Laurel.”

“Thanks Barry.” Tommy smiled crookedly. And Barry smiled back reassuringly, his brother deserved happiness, and so did Laurel. He’d also watched them do there little back and forth dance for too long to watch the chicken out now when they were so close.

“Shit, I just realized, have you even seen Oliver since he’s back?” It wasn’t all that difficult for Barry to hold back a grimace, he’d had a lot of practice.
“No not yet-.”

Tommy barely let him finish speaking before he was insisting that he had to make sure he got the night off for the party.

“Call out sick or something.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

 

The night of the party Barry tracked Oliver with his eyes but he’d definitely been avoiding him all night since their first greeting. To an outsider it might have seemed like a friendly re-meeting. But even Adam picked up on a subtle terseness in the way Barry asked after Oliver’s health and Tommy shot him a befuddled look before pulling Oliver away for his first tequila shot in years. Barry snorted a bit at the thought. God knew what Oliver had really done the last couple years but he’d intended to get some answers that night.

Unfortunately it seemed Oliver had other plans.
“Did you see where Oliver went?”
“Barry-.”
“I swear he was just right fucking there.”
“Barry-.”
“Shit, where’s Laurel?”
“Mr. Merlyn.”

Barry’s head snapped towards Adam in an instant.
“Never call me that again.”

“It got your attention.”

“I just pictured you talking to him like that and-. I’ll never get the image out of my head.”

“How about you replace it with the image of us taking a few jello shots and then hitting that dance floor. Seeing as that’s what I pictured when you invited me to a party.” Adam raised his eyebrow.

“Or you can keep stalking Queen, I’m not offended believe me he’s pretty sexy. But uh-. “ He reached one hand forward and pulled Barry towards him wrapping both hands around his waist he lent in to whisper in Barry’s ear though he still ended up practically yelling when the music shifted to something even louder. “At least dance with me first.” He accentuated with a smooth grind before pulling back and moving to walk away. Barry groaned not being able to resist one last glance around for Oliver but when he still didn’t see him he followed after Adam who was already dancing in the midst of the crowd.

Temporarily giving up his search for Oliver he let himself have a little fun. And if he continued to keep a subtle eye out Adam didn’t notice. At one point out of the corner of his eye he noticed Tommy and Laurel talking by the bar, he noticed the way they were looking at each other even though they were trying to be subtle and couldn’t help smiling to himself a bit.

His smile quickly turned to a frown when he jerked to alertness at the sudden lack of blaring music. His confusion grew even further when he heard Oliver’s voice above the crowd offering a reward to anyone who could catch the green hood. While the rest of the crowd cheered Barry’s eyes narrowed. At his side instead of behind him where he’d been for the last 10 minutes Adam didn’t seem too amused either. The moment he caught sight of detective Lance Barry started towards the just to catch the tail end of their argument. His heart stuttered a bit at the words coming out of Lance’s mouth.

“Did you even try to save her?!”

He didn’t let himself pause though as the other officers were already trying to usher him away.

“Detective Lance!”

He turned to face him crossing his arms.

“The flu huh Allen? And here I was thinking you’d finally gotten better at choosing your friends.”

“What’s going on?”

“Adam Hunt was attacked just across the street. By the green hood.”

Chapter 2

Notes:

Wow I finally made it back around to this fic. I'm very sorry for the ridiculously (understatement of 4 years) long wait. I never stopped thinking about this fic because I had so much planned for it. The ships, the ending, the mega plot twists. I'll get more into the plan in the endnotes. Sorry this chapters a bit on the shorter side but it's a major setup for what's to come in the next one and moving forward.

After a somewhat embarrassing breathalyzer test outside the club Barry managed to convince captain Lance to allow him to look at the crime scene. Walking into that room was like stepping into the pages of a graphic novel. It’s not every day you investigate a murder where the victim was impaled by an arrow by a man dressed in a leather suit. Not even when you’re used to chasing the impossible. As Barry swept the scene for evidence, fingerprints, anything to give a hint as to where this mystery was leading, he couldn’t help feeling intrigued. Granted he’d always been enthusiastic about his work. But this was different. This was a challenge that ignited a bit of a fire inside of him. Somewhat similar to what sparring felt like when he got into it with his entire being. The next time a body dropped with an arrow through the chest that fire would grow just a little bit hotter.

Even Tommy who had been a bit preoccupied guiltily worrying about what Oliver’s return might mean for his relationship with Laurel, took notice of the changes in Barry. He wasn’t just distracted it was like he was hunting. The only one who seemed to be able to pull him away from working even off the clock was Adam. More often then not for a sparring session. Occasionally Malcolm would watch or even step in instead.

“Swords today, Barry.”

Barry spun first one then the other sword in his hands as he turned to face Malcolm. Centering himself and allowing himself to feel comfortable with the feel of them in his grasp. Malcom came at him immediately. Testing his reflexes and the sounds of steel crashing together filled the room as they dueled.

“How is the green arrow case going?”

It was a bit unusual for Malcolm to ask him about his cases. But given that the vigilante seemed to have a vendetta against the wealthy it wasn’t all that surprising to Barry that he would ask. Malcolm was far from the first person to ask amongst that particular circle, but he was the only one Barry was willing to talk about the details with. After all he was the least likely to spread them around or spread them to the press.

“I went with Detective Lance to see Martin Somers; he had some kind of confrontation with the green arrow but he’s not talking. He even threatened detective Lance and Laurel.”

Barry grunted as he blocked a strike, crossing his blades and forcing the sword away before going on the offensive.

“Laurel and your brother have been spending a lot of time together. Should I be concerned about him ending up in the crossfire?”

“There’s a protective detail watching her at all times.”

“Do you think that’s going to be enough?” Two well placed jabs and Barry lost one sword.

“From what I understand the green arrow is running circles around the police department.”

“You’re not… planning to do a whole overprotective dad routine and tell Tommy to stay away are you?Because I was honestly wondering if they were ever going to-.”

“Not quite.” Malcolm came at him rapidly, pushing him. His attacks rising in aggression and pushing Barry back, trying to corner him.

“That wouldn’t stop him, and it would still leave Laurel vulnerable. No, I’m suggesting that maybe you should keep an eye on them until Martin Somers is no longer an issue.”

Barry pushed back, waiting for an opening before going in on the attack, forcing Malcolm to dodge and giving himself just enough time to maneuver slightly to the right redirecting the fight away from the corner. He came at him with equal ferocity surprising himself for only a second when he managed to knock Malcolms’ sword from his hands. A second just long enough for Malcolm to launch a kick at his midsection. Only instinct kept him on his feet bracing himself enough that he only stumbled a moment before reengaging in the fight.

“I’m not a cop.”

It was only a matter of time before Barry managed to get Malcolm on the ground his Katana pointed at his neck glinting under the lights in mirror of the glint Malcolms’ eyes.

“You’re right. You’re not a cop. And the hood isn’t a run of the mill criminal. You can do so much more than the officers of the SCPD. Isn’t that why you joined the department to do things that others couldn’t?”

Barry swallowed looking away, chest still heaving with exertion though he knew the pang in his chest wasn’t from his lungs. He reached out a hand to his adoptive father. Malcolm grasped it firmly.

“You’re suggesting that I become a vigilante too?”

He finally met his eyes.

“I’m suggesting that you protect your family. At least tonight.”

“You know most parents don’t encourage their kids to put on a colorful suit and take on an arrow wielding murderer.”

Malcolm nearly scoffed picking up his water bottle and offering Barry his own. For a second Barry thought he saw a small spark of… something in his eyes he couldn’t pinpoint what.

“Neither would I. Any colors like the green arrow runs around in aren’t quite inconspicuous in the city. You should wear black. And take Adam with you.”

Something about that etched at his brain but was overtaken by the mention of Adam.

“Why Adam? Uh I mean you think I need backup? I’ll probably just be sitting around the whole time it’s practically a stakeout.”

“I trust your abilities, Barry. I also trust you can learn a few new ones. You can even consider it an extra lesson in avoiding distraction.”

Barry choked on his water barely resisting sputtering at the unexpected comment. He cleared his throat, trying to compose himself.

“What do you mean?”

Malcolm huffed out a laugh. “You don’t really think I haven’t noticed Tommy’s not the only one whose found someone to occupy his time with?”

“I promise it’s not interfering with my training we keep it strictly professional in here.”

Malcolm met his gaze firmly raising an eyebrow.

“You’re an adult Barry I’m not going to police your relationsh-.”

“It’s not really a relationship.” Malcolm crossed his arms and Barry’s lips snapped shut.

“Go inside and shower. Come back here at 5pm so I can help you prepare.”

Barry nodded, taking the dismissal for the out it was. Trudging across the grounds, the adrenaline high from training beginning to wane and the reality of what he just agreed to do began to settle in its place. Could he really do this? If he was caught by the police, the best-case scenario would be only losing his job. And if he was caught by the Green Arrow… He paused. He thought of his brother and Laurel. Visions of Hong Kong flashing through his mind. He thought of Adam Hunt, his body sprawled with an arrow firmly lodged in it. And he thought of his parents. “I’m suggesting that you protect your family.” He would protect his family. Tonight, and any other night.

Notes:

And we're off. I don't think I've ever written anything this dialogue heavy in my life. I may at some point come back to this as I get back into writing this story. I'd always planned this little nemesis relationship between Barry and Oliver (wild because I'm actually an Olivarry shipper but building this between them has been fun.). I debated for a long time between Malcolm encouraging Barry to do this actively or passively allowing Barry to "get there on his own". With the changes I'm making to what happens in episode 2 this felt like the right way to go.

On to what you really want to know. I will be trying to update at least once a week. And honestly I'm open to answering (most) questions about where the story is going.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 3 of We Never Needed Tethers, Only the Tide