Covert Affair [Snowbarry Spy AU]

New Identity

'Keep running you almost got him...'

He turned around the block and immediately spotted his target taking the next turn. The streets were now busy so he had to jump between people, trying to avoid hurting anyone in the process, to keep up with his target. He put is gun back in its place, its barrel under his jeans against his back, his shirt and jacket covering it and he tried to run faster. It was in time like these that Barry wished he had some kind of superpower – like super speed, that would be nice. Because right now his legs were beginning to tire, his lungs were burning, his heart was beating harder and harder, his feet were making more noise at each stride and he didn't seem to get any closer to his target.

'Suck it up and deal with it' he thought to himself. Gathering what was left of his energy, Barry launched himself forward. He was trained for this – he could do it. But seriously, he didn't know how it was possible that his target had still so much stamina and that his pace didn't lessen. They had been running for what felt like hours and Barry didn't seem to get any closer. And it was very frustrating because he could feel his energy burning down. But he had a job to do and he couldn't give up.

"Barry!"

He almost missed a step at the shrilling sound in his right ear. Damn, he had forgotten about his earpiece.

"I can't really talk right now." He huffed in response in the lapel of his jacket. "Except if you have a way to help me catch this guy!"

"Stop running." The order didn't leave much room for any debate. But Barry kept running anyway.

"No, I almost got him, I'm not going to give up now." He scolded back. This conversation was distracting him from his goal; he was going to lose some precious time. And his target.

"Barry, stop right now. We've got someone closer to him to take over."

"What?" Barry almost shouted – making people around him glance curiously in his direction. But thanks to the 21st Century and its technologies, they didn't seem to care much about an agitated guy talking alone in the street. "No, this is my case!" Barry groaned more quietly but still very firm in his conviction.

"I know, but Oliver wants you back at the HQ. Now stop running, and get your ass over here. He's got a more important case to hand over to you."

Barry stopped on his tracks when he heard the communication being shut down in his earpiece. He was now in the middle of a busy street, bending over with his hands on his knees, trying to gain back his breath. His target was nowhere to be seen. After a few moments, he looked around him and punched angrily the air with his fist.

All of this had been for nothing.

And now Barry had actually no idea where he was or how to get back to HQ.

"Great." He muttered to himself.

--------

"You blew my whole game out there." Barry complained as soon as he entered the office. He didn't know how many times he had been here. But he wouldn't be surprised if the number was close to the number of days since he had begun working here, even if it wasn't his office. No, it was his handler's office. Well, handler and IT expert. She had taken him under her wing as soon as he had arrived on the job.

The young woman behind the computer threw him an apologetic look above her glasses. "Sorry, but you know I don't decide that kind of stuff."

Barry shrugged and let himself fall on a chair not far from her desk, lifting his feet on the table. "I know Felicity." He let his hand go through his messy hair while stretching a bit. The shower he had taken as soon as he arrived at the HQ had been invigorating. Barry huffed. "Well, could you tell Mr. Queen that I don't like being taken off my cases before I finish them."