She's avoiding me, Barry concluded with a sigh as he left the coffee shop after an hour of waiting.
After last night, getting grilled by Batman and talking with Samara, he felt conflicted on what should be done.
The whole Justice League knows of her now, was made aware of her situation (though Batman is still speculative, then again, when wasn't he?), and wants Flash to bring her in as he has a lower chance of getting blown away by her shouts or something.
He could do it as Barry Allen, but considering she was as sparse as a breeze on a summer day, that chance was slim.
After walking around Central Park for 30 minutes, desperate for a sign that Samara didn't lie and left town, the sound of a mellow flute and shake of a tambourine sang with the chirp of the birds.
war leaves its trail
in moonlight so pale
its shadows they flow
in rivers, in rivers
so put on my mask
I'll go where they ask
so I might once again see the
Roses of May
Listening to that voice, Barry walked faster until he hit the end of the trail and ended up at the fountain center of the park. Samara sat by the fountain, a guitar on her lap as she sang with the other performers in the park who came to adore her, drawing quite a crowd.
Barry just stood there before his feet drew him closer to the front of the crowd and in front of the brunette, noticing she wore a long black trench coat to combat the mild breeze of the upcoming winter and her eyes shut in focus as she sang.
fate holds the blade before you
mirrored in maiden's eyes
far from myself I fly
into the perilous skies
and they said
follow the blade before you
fear fall and courage rise
leave all your tears behind you
far from where innocence lies
He just allowed her to sing, silently willing her to look up, open her eyes, anything to open her eyes. Eventually, feeling his intense gaze on her, Samara looked up and faltered only slightly before quickly joining the other girls in their song. Looking away as if she wished he were not there.
Led here by fate
No longer afraid
So here now I lay
My Roses of May
The crowd clapped politely and the performers gave modest bows while a few worked on splitting the tips.
Samara strapped the guitar across her back, shaking her head when one of the girls tried to hand out her share. "Keep it, I'm required elsewhere."
The girl quirked a brow, but didn't argue as she simply smiled. "Alright, catch you later."
Samara gave a curt nod and slight bow to the girls while they parted before reluctantly facing Barry.
They spent some time simply staring at each other before Barry said the first thing that came out of his mouth. "You haven't answered my calls, or my texts."
"I…" Samara sighed, turning to walk and was followed by the blonde patiently. "I dropped my mobile in the sink while debating on replying," she admitted shyly. Looking up at the man, she spoke despairingly. "About last night, I…"
"You're the Dovahkiin," Barry finished when she was silent for too long. Though she looked up at him in surprise, he only returned that expression with an easy smile. "And what you did was pretty awesome."
"I… It was?" She shook her head and stopped, thankfully in a sparsely populated part of the trail. "Wait, how did you know?"
Barry smiled and bit his lip. "Let's just say, you're not the only one with a secret." Immediately following, he flashed out of sight only to tap her shoulder and zip back in front of her, this time with a cheeky grin.
Samara blinked wide eyed before smiling widely. "Incredible." But then paled slightly before blushing bright red. "Wait? So that means…" She groaned. "Ugh, it was you I spoke to last night."
"Yup." Barry popped the 'p' with a wide grin.
With a sigh, Samara adjusted her guitar while looking up at the smug speedster. "So what now? I assume you told me of your secret identity for a reason."
The blonde chuckled while rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, about that…" His mobile then chimed, the ringtone identifying the caller as someone from the Hall of Justice. Giving an apologetic smile, Barry answered. "Yo."
"Flash," It was Cyborg, and he sounded rushed. "Please tell me you have the Dovahkiin with you."
"Uh," Barry flashed a quick glance to Samara who was looking up at the trees where a few squirrels happened to be fighting. "Yeah, what's up?"
"A portal just appeared in Metropolis and some winged… guy was flying around, like he was looking for someone. Assuming he's after who we think he's looking for, that Dovahkiin girl, Superman managed to take him down and convinced him we have her, so please tell me you got her. He calmed down and followed us to the Hall." The part-machine sounded exasperated. "I'd really hate to have this guy pissed at us for lying, especially since he was pretty much on par with Superman."
Barry was now frowning, earning Samara's attention. "Sure, no problem. Catch up with ya in a flash." Hanging up, the green-eyed man gave a sheepish smile. "Hey Sam, you don't happen to know anyone with wings, do you?"
Samara nodded, "Of course, back in Nirn I knew an Avian. Despite the fact that Dragonborns and their kind are enemies, I befriended one who we called Krosis."
Barry blinked. "Oh, well, I think he's here to see you."
The brunette frowned. "But there is no need, unless…" She clenched her hands. "We must see him, but first I require my armor."
Picking her up, Barry nodded. "Alright, got it."
[Note: I was listening to A LOT of Erutan when I was writing this, so – in case you were curious: Roses of May]