#this au is still cery early in the planning stages

[angst-is-love-angst-is-life]

“Savitar kidnaps and impersonates Barry”? 👀👀

@shrinkthisviolet inflicted this AU on me and now it’s a wip.

Whelp, pretty self explanatory with the title. Savitar doesn’t have his scar in this AU (since it really served no purpose other than distinguishing the two Barry’s and we don’t even know how he got it).

Tbh, I’m still working out the details for this {that’s a lie. I’m still working out the entire plot.} so I’ll just share a tiny snippet that should stay the way it is

“It’s been a week and they don’t suspect a thing. Makes me wonder if your team ever cared about you at all.” Barry just glared at him, it was all he could do from inside his prison.

Gonna be lots of taunts and mocking from Savitar and that’s fun for me :)

[myselfinserts]

“The rain smells better in the countryside.” //maybe some super fluffy ballet!AU...? as a treat? haha, just kidding... unless???

The rain was starting to come down heavily by the time they made it inside the country house. A beautiful building that used to be a dance academy, but had been closed down for the last fifty or so years. At least, until Mirage came to town. It was a rather expensive remodel, but they were rather proud of it. The exterior still presented the elegant detailing of the original woodwork, but with some of the more weakened and molded parts of wood replaced with fresh, sturdy pieces. The interior only needed some serious cleaning, along with some updates to the insulation and kitchen. The rooms that changed the most, unsurprisingly, was the practice rooms and on site stage, which needed to be completely overhauled to be up to code.

But when it was all finished, it felt so much like home that L never wanted to leave. The first thing she did upon entering the building was hang her coat in the closet, followed by an immediate dive onto the couch in the lounge room, sinking into the plush cushions just as Phoenix lit the fire. She let out a contented sigh, glancing at the shelves of books and trying to decide which one to read first.

"I missed this place," L said softly. "It's such a nice change of pace from the city."

Aizawa glanced around, arms crossed and a finger tapping his upper arm. "This place is a little…big, for a country house." He looked over his shoulder. "Adaire's frozen in place in the foyer."

"They'll get used to it," Phoenix snickered, curling up beside L. "How about some tea?"

"Tea would be lovely," L cooed.

"Perfect. Zawa, make us some, would ya?"

“That’s not part of my job,” he grumbled. 

L snuggled in closer to Phoenix, resting her head against her head. “Relax, Mr. Aizawa. Lana should be in the house. Just go to the kitchen and ring one of the bells, and she’ll take care of the tea.”

“Fine. Don’t move from the couch until I get back, okay?”

“We won’t.”

Phoenix watched as he headed towards the kitchen, waiting until he was completely out of earshot before nuzzling L closer. “You bully. You know Lana’s gonna give him the run around before teaching him how to do the housework himself.”

“Did I?” L hummed. “No worries. Gives us some time alone to relax, doesn’t it?”

“Mhm, it does.” Phoenix adjusted their positions, slipping her arms around L’s waist and handing her a book. “Picked up the newest romance book you and Ceri were talking about. It’s about a lovely lady alchemist in a steampunk world. Heard it’s supposed to be very steamy in more than just setting.” 

L smiled brightly, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “You’re amazing. Thank you.”

As L made herself comfortable and began to read, Aizawa eventually came back carrying a tea tray, which had both tea and cocoa to choose from, along with a plate of small cakes and cookies. Upon request, he opened the window slightly to let the air in, before being promptly dragged out of the room by his ear by Lana, who was already going over the rules of the house in great detail. Felix stopped by a little later to re-stoke the fire, informing them of the dinner plans before bidding the girls good evening. 

By the time dinner time was about to start, L had completely abandoned the book, having gotten a good two chapters in before throwing herself completely into Phoenix’s embrace, resting her head over her partner’s heart. Phoenix kissed her forehead, breathing in the soft scent of jasmine and petrichor.

“The rain smells better in the countryside,” L sighed. “Fresh, untainted by exhaust and despair. Pure as crystal, cool against the flesh...”

“Getting a little poetic, are we?” Phoenix teased. 

L hummed. “Perhaps a little. And a tad melancholic, I suppose. I enjoy coming here, but...”

Phoenix nodded. “Wish it were under better circumstances, huh?”

“Don’t you?”

“Of course. But...” she tilted her chin up, looking her straight in the face. Despite the mask she chose for today, Phoenix knew her eyes were absolutely gleaming. “What matters is we’re here now. Together.”

L managed a smile. “Yes, I think you’re right.”

The sound of a slight click stirred the two from their wonder, turning their attention to the window that had been open just a moment ago. The green haired maid adjusted her glasses, turning to the dancers with a slight bow. 

“Pardon me,” Lana said. “I’m afraid we’ll be expecting rainstorms for the next two days starting early tomorrow morning. Windows will have to remain closed until it passes. You both know where the emergency kits are across the house, but if you need anything in case of an emergency, let me know and we’ll have it brought immediately. Dinner should be ready in a few minutes. Would you like to eat here or at the dining room table?”

“We should probably head to the table,” Phoenix said, glancing at the empty foyer. “Drag Adaire off from wherever they ended up.”

“Agreed.” L slowly wiggled free of the warm arms. “They should get used to eating with everyone. And after everything the last few days, sharing a nice, quiet meal together should do us all some good.”

Lana nodded. “I shall inform them right away.” Lana took a few steps away before stopping. “By the way, L. That bodyguard Monsieur Allard hired for you. He’s rather skilled with a broom, but is abysmal at making tea. I shall rectify this so Aizawa is as acceptable as a butler as he is a guard. See you at dinner.”

As Lana continued on, Phoenix and L shared a giggle at the mental image of Butler Zawa and made their way to the dining room. 

It was nearly three in the morning when Phoenix woke up to the sound of heavy rainfall and thunder. The sound softly echoed through her room, causing a gentle reverberation that added to the dark, yet oddly comforting atmosphere. 

The thunder wasn’t what woke her, however. No, what had caused Phoenix to stir was the feeling of the blanket moving. A weight against the mattress not her own. Hands wrapping around her like vines, legs tangling together, holding her tightly in place. And the soft, dark hair completely covering the extra pillow beside her head. 

Laying there in her bed, holding her for dear life, was Lady L herself, trembling ever so slightly. 

“L?” Phoenix muttered. “L, what’s wrong?”

L curled in closer, burying her face into Phoenix’s shoulder. Her voice soft and airy, warm against her skin. It was all Phoenix could do not to blush. 

“Can I stay here for a little longer?” L whispered. “I don’t want to be alone right now...”

Phoenix gave her a warm smile, pulling her closer. “Take as long as you need.”

“Thank you.” 

They didn’t say anything more. Phoenix focused on lightly rubbing L’s back, her hand moving in slow, soothing circles as she hummed a simple lullaby. L eventually stopped trembling, her entire body relaxing as she slowly drifted back to sleep. 

On stage, she has a presence big enough to fill the entire stage. But here in the dark tonight, she’s as small as a newborn kitten. And I won’t forgive the bastard who put her in such a position.  

Phoenix gave her a soft kiss on the cheek, closing her eyes and falling back to slumber herself. Her last thought, a heartfelt promise. 

Don’t worry L. I’ll be here to protect you for as long as I’m able. We’ll continue dancing together, no matter what.