Fairy Tale AU

Little Scarlet Hood and the the Big Cold Wolf

(NSFW)

"I can't believe I'm running so late!" Barry said as he was running around the kitchen, throwing food into the over-sized basket on the tiny wooden table.

"If Cisco didn't ask me to help find his pet goat, I would have already left by now." The teen mumbled to himself, finally adding the last thing he needed to the basket.

Barry put a red cloth over the top and tucked the edges of it to the inside of the basket, so none of it would fall out. He finally got his boots on, after they had given him trouble in getting on his feet, and stood up to yank the red hooded cloak off of one of the coat hangers. He tied the two laces together in front tightly, picked up his basket and hurried out the door.

The young male hurried down the busy market street of people selling and buying goods and supplies. The colder months were right around the corner and everyone wanted to be prepare for what was about to come. Last winter, seven people had died. The village where he lived was already much smaller than others in the area, so even if Barry never really knew those people, he still felt like there was something missing to the village.

His feet quickened against the soft dirt as he forest came into view, he walked by some of the elder women in the village, who sat on their rocking chairs, gossiped all day, and smoked from a long pipe. As he walked by them, he kept his eyes straight ahead. "There he goes again." He heard one of the older women say.

"Happens every week, the poor sweet thing." Another coughed off.

"Sweet, ain't nothing sweet about what happen to him and his parents."

At that, Barry glared over his shoulder at the women, who probably couldn't even really see him, their sight was so bad, but he glared anyways.

Every week, Barry would load his basket with a week's worth of food and wander through the forest towards the coal mines in the north mountain region. There was his only living relative, his father. His father had been blamed for his mother's death, and then sent to work long, cruel hours in the mines for the rest of his life, or until he dropped dead. The workers lived in horrible conditions, and when he first saw where his father would be staying, it took Joe, his foster father, and his own father's best friend, all his strength to remove Barry from his father and take him to his new home.

As Barry crossed the tree line, he pulled the red hood up and over his thick, brown locks of hair. He held his basket a little tighter as he walked along the same, worn path he has done for so many moons now. When he was still young, his mother had told him many stories of the creatures that lived in the woods. From fairies and tinker elves, to those of a more horrid and beastly nature. Even Oliver, the lord's son, who was one of the best hunters the village had, claimed to have seen shadowy beast move along the tree lines and stalked them when it grew dark out.

Speaking of darkness, Barry glanced up at the sky saw the sun was close to setting, and normally by this time he would've been making his way back home. He tugged the edges of cloak closer to him and hurried along.

Finally, he got to the mines, it was an awful, and foul smelling place. The sky was growing darker and the air was getting colder as the light went down. Barry weaved through the workers and got to the ruined and worn cabins the workers were forced to live in. As he got closer to the cabin where his father was, he looked over at the guard that was stationed out front, and gave him a quick nod and dipped his hand into his basket and pulled out a hunk of sweet bread and gave it to the man, who then let Barry through.

Barry opened the door and saw that his father was already changed for bed and was sitting down, reading a worn-out book. "Father?" Barry said, pulling the hood of the cloak down.

His father looked up and his tired, thin lips turned up into a small, weary smile. "Barry, what are you doing here so late?" He asked, putting the book down next to him.

Barry walked over and placed the big basket down next to his father and started unloading all the food. His father hid it all under a loose floorboard under his bed. "Well, Cisco's goat got loose and he asked me to help find him. He's clever little animal." He told his father as he handed him the last item in his bag.

His father then took it, opening it up and seeing the lemon bread and smiled softly. It was his mother's recipe and it tasted like heaven. Barry's father slipped it back into his son's basket, only taking a small piece for himself. "I know you only make enough for me. So today, enjoy it yourself Barry." His father told him.

"Alright. Make sure you drink enough, and be careful." Barry said as he hugged his father goodbye.

"Always, now," his father said and then handed Barry a small lantern, "take this. The sun is setting fast and I don't want my son getting lost in the woods. You head straight home, you hear me and no talking-"

"No talking to strangers. I know, I know. I'm not a kid anymore." He told him, as he gave him one last hug goodbye and left the mines.

Barry got back on the same path and started headed home, the dim light of the lantern brightening up the path for a few feet until it broke off into an inky blackness. The sun had set faster than usual tonight, and in the heart of the forest, not even the light of the moon and stars reached far down enough to aid Barry in his walk back.

The forest was eerily quiet as he walked, nothing but the sound of his breathing and his footsteps kept the silence away. Eventually he found himself humming a soft tune under his breath, again something that his mother had done, and one of the few things Barry remembered of her. As he continued walking, he heard the cry of the wind rush through the forest and Barry tugged his hood back up, it was getting colder and the light from the lantern flickered here and there, and for a moment Barry thought it might burn out.

There was the snapping of a branch behind him and Barry spun around on his heels to see what it was, holding his breath. He saw and heard nothing after a moment or two, and told himself that it was just a rabbit, or maybe a deer wandering around.

He started humming again, a bit softer, just encase. He hugged the basket closer to his chest as he continued onward, and a few minutes later heard a few more snaps and pops behind him and again turned around, holding the lantern up so he could see a bit farther into the darkness.

"Is someone there?" Barry whispered.

Barry was met with silence and the distance caw of a raven. He was just about to turn around, to tell himself that he was just being a skittish child when he saw movement. About a few meters away, up a slight slope behind him, he saw a big shadow moving around. He froze, his feet and legs unwilling to budge. Barry's own eyes widen at the sight of the thing, his ears caught the faint sound of heavy breathing, as if the creature had been running, or maybe finished a quick meal.

His heart nearly leap from his chest as he saw the shadow's head turn towards Barry. As the two made eye contact, Barry's legs decided to start working again and dropped his basket and the lantern to the ground and sprinted down the path.

The young male pushed his legs as fast as he could, long and nimble, he stumbled over himself a few times as well as some rocks and fallen branches, but eventually the lights from cottages came into view and Barry quickened his pace.

It wasn't long before he was running down the main street, up towards his house, opening the door and shutting it tight, pulling the lock down and falling to his knees. He pressed his forehead against the door, trying to catch his breath as he tried to calm his shaken nerves. Once he finally got a grip on himself he sat down on the ground, staring at the door for a moment.

Oliver and some of the other hunters had always said that when they saw a creature of the night while they were out hunting, there eyes were a bright red color, or had no eyes at all.

And all Barry could think of was, why was this creature's eyes such a pretty blue?

The night came and went, and sunlight soon came again. Joe had scolded Barry for coming home so late and told him to never do that again.

As the day went on, Barry was doing his chores, with some help from Cisco, since he did help him get his goat back. The two of them were put in the back, brushing and grooming the two horses that Joe owned. Barry was brushing the black mare, named Dolly, and Cisco with Minnie, a chestnut colored mare. He was quiet for a while, and wondered if he should tell Cisco about the creature last night, but decided against it, at least for now.

Soon enough, his chores were done and Barry was up in his room, cleaning it a bit when he realized he couldn't find his basket. He looked through his whole room, and then the whole house until he realized that he had dropped it last night while running away from the creature.

Barry chewed softly on his thumb nail, pondering if he should go get it. He could always go to the market and get another one, but that would mean he'd have to go into his savings, and even if he didn't he'd have to save at least for two weeks before he was able to buy a decent sized one as the one he had before.

Going against his better judgment, Barry found his red cloak and put it on, scurrying behind the cottages, so no one would see him leaving and heading off into the forest alone. It took him a while to find the path he took, but he eventually did and started following it. Barry looked around as he did so, making sure that no one was around, human or creature alike.

As he looked for his basket, he stumbled over a tree branch, and fell to his knees, his hood, covering his eyes. He flipped it back, and as he did so came face to face with his basket. The young male blinked a few times before standing up and brushing his hands against his pants. He looked down to see that both the basket and the lantern, that was now cracked and broken, were placed neatly on the side of the path, up against a tree.

Well, that was...odd? Barry bent down and picked the basket up, seeing that the lemon bread had been taken, which shouldn't have surprised him. He bent back down to pick the broken lantern up when he saw it.

Big, paw tracks covering the ground. Barry stood and stared at the tracks, and then slowly knelt down on one knee, his fingers coming out to press against the ground softly. The tracks were made a few hours ago.

The only reason why he knew this was because Oliver had dragged him along to go on one of his many hunts with him and had taught him a few tricks, but after seeing the older man put three arrows in a doe, Barry said that hunting was not for him.

Though, as he continued to look, he saw the imprint of shoes as well, and not his own, since they were much too big. He took the lantern and then stood up, glancing at the spot where he had seen creature the night before. There was nothing today. Just sunshine, and the bright green life of the forest dancing around. After standing there for a moment too long, Barry left to head back to the village.

When he got back, he stuffed the lantern as best he could into the basket and covered it was cloak as he walked by the market. He was getting close to the middle of the village, where the younger kids were let out of daycare and walked back home to their parents, when he heard the thundering sound of hooves against the earth come up through the market area.

Everyone turned around to see Oliver in the front of the group, on his black stallion, his bow and quiver hanging off the saddle of the horse. He walked the horse around in a circle until everyone had backed away and made room for him and his men. "Everyone listen up!" His voice rang out.

"Out hunting today we caught sight of a beast," he started and heard a few gasp come from some people in the crowd, "we were able to put an arrow in it, but it got away. Not once in all of the seasons that we've lived here, has a creature ever been seen during the day. There must be something wrong, so I strongly advise everyone to stay well away from the forest until this beast is caught, and killed!" Oliver said, and yanked on the horse's reigns, getting the stallion to move forward, before he caught sight of Barry, and slid off of the horse.

"Hey." Barry said softly.

"Morning," Oliver said, "Listen, I need to talk to you about something." He said, placing a hand on his shoulders as he ushered him along, not really giving the younger male a choice.

Once they were far enough away from the crowd, Oliver spoke. "Barry, I know every week, you go and bring your father food to the mines, but maybe you should stop for a bit." He told him.

To which Barry did not like that idea in the least bit. "How could you even think of saying that to me Oliver? If I don't bring my father food each week, do you really think he would survive in the mines with how they treat those people? At his age?" Barry argued.

"I know you care deeply for your father Barry, but what good would it do, if you came home late like you did the other night? What if a beast came and took you and no one knew what had happened? You wouldn't be much help to your father then, now would you?" Oliver said, looking down at Barry, who looked away from him and said nothing.

Oliver sighed, bringing Barry closer to him. "I'll send one of my men out tomorrow to bring your father a letter saying what has happened in the village, I'm sure he'll understand." Oliver told him.

Barry sighed and just nodded his head, shrugging Oliver's hand off of his shoulder and telling him he had to start making dinner for his family.

It wasn't a secret that Oliver had tried to court Barry on more than one occasion, and Barry had even caught the male trying to ask Joe for his blessing. The only reason Joe had said no, was because Barry had told him before hand that he didn't want to be wedded by the man.

Barry walked back home and started cooking dinner, placing the basket on the table as he started getting out a few pots and items to make a stew. As he did so, he thought back to what Oliver had said, 'Like hell I'd let my father starve and wither away just because Oliver found one beast during the day, one. There's no need to throw a fit about it.' He thought as he started cutting up a few carrots.

The young male let the stew boil, and went up to his room to hide the basket under his bed. He went back downstairs to tend to the stew as he heard the front door open and Joe come walking in from working at the tree-cutting place. "Smells good Barry." He said as he entered.

"Taste good too." He commented as he licked the stirring spoon and placed it in the basin to be washed for later.

He poured two bowls for them and placed the pot back over the fireplace. "Is Iris coming over?" Barry asked as he sat down across from Joe.

"No, she still with Eddie. Though she said that if the whole wedding planning goes as plan, she'll have time next week to come by." Joe explained.

Barry hummed, and went back to eating.

It had been a few days since Oliver had spotted the beast and nearly everyone in the village was in home and in bed before night fall. Barry didn't think that everyone had to be that strict about staying inside. That's why Barry was back on his way towards the mines to bring his father his week's supply of food. Of course, he had to wander a little farther away from the village before he could loop back and on to the path that he took. This time, however, he had the lantern, which was all fixed up thanks to Cisco, as well as a small hunting knife that was strapped against his belt, just encase.

This time, Barry had made a second loaf of lemon bread, and hid it in a small pouch bag that he strapped around his chest and made his way towards the mines. By the time he got there it was already dark out, and instead of going inside the cabin to give the basket, he opted for giving it to the guard. Of course giving the man his own loaf of sweet bread, with the promise of a slice of pie the next time he came. Barry watched the guard enter the cabin and walk back out with just the basket and took it from him before leaving to head home.

The young male walked a few feet away from the mines before he pulled out a few matches that he stole from Joe's case and lit the lantern. Soon enough, he was back on the path and on his way home. He walked a bit slower, taking his time as he did so and looked around and behind him a few times, just to make sure nothing would sneak up on him.

The moon was high up in the sky by the time Barry reached the part of the path were he had saw the beast with blue eyes and had found the basket and lantern on the side by the tree. The young male stopped and turned around to look at the up sloped hill where he had found the beast before, but tonight he saw nothing. He lowered the lantern a bit as he moved to his pouch and opened it up. The sweet smell of lemon bread filling his nose as he broke a piece off.

Again, Barry looked around, to see if anyone was there, and tossed the piece a few feet in front of him. He waited for a while, to see if the beast, or anything would take it. Barry waited for what seemed like minutes before going back into the pouch and breaking off a tiny piece for himself.

As he swallowed the sweet tasting bread, he heard rustling in the bushes near him, and his hand flew to his belt where the knife was. He stayed quiet as the rustling grew louder and closer until it was only a few feet away from him.

Then he saw it.

Bright blue eyes reflecting in the darkness of the night.

Barry held his breath as it came closer, there eyes locked and neither one moved to look away, even as he saw a hand reached down and pick up the piece of bread that was tossed.

Barry swallowed as he watched the beast from the shadows pop the piece of bread into his mouth, still looking directly at Barry.

"I see you brought more bread this week." The creature said in a low, smooth voice.

It took the male by surprise that the beast actually talked. Barry opened his mouth to respond, but all that came out was a stuttering breath. He heard the beast chuckle, "Easy there Scarlet. I'm not here to eat to you, if that's what you think." The beast said as he came closer to the light, letting it shine on his face.

Barry couldn't have been more shocked. No way would he had ever thought that a beast could look god damn handsome, as the one before him did. Pale skin, with short silver like hair, and strong arms and broad shoulder covered with a long sleeved shirt and worn jacket. The beast's thin lips were curled into a short smirk. "That is, unless you want to be eaten, then by all means, just ask." He said.

Barry felt his cheeks flush red. "No thank you." He said quickly as he still stared at the beast.

"Were you the one from earlier today?" Barry asked, to which the beast let out a howling laugh.

"Not me, but that hunter did nail an arrow in a friend of mine. He's fine though." The blue eyed creature said.

"So there's more of you?" Barry said, his eyebrows raised.

The beast smile grew on his face, "Plenty more. A lone wolf can't survive long without a pack no can he?"

"I...I guess." Barry said.

The beast stood up a bit, and made his way closer to Barry, until he was circling the other. "So, Scarlet, what brings you out so late these past few moons?" He asked him.

Barry watched the male circle him. "I believe that's none of your business." He snapped at him.

"Mh, well it is, if it involves a little thing like you walking around the woods so late at night. Carrying something sweet in a little basket, and smelling so nice too. I'm surprise a beast hasn't come around and jumped you." He said in a mocking tone.

Barry narrowed his eyes when the beast spoke, "I can take care of myself." He informed the other, to which he just hummed.

"Well, I guess I could do you a favor and help keep your little night time walks a bit safer, for something in return." The beast offered.

"Why in the heavens would I want to make a deal with you?" Barry asked.

"Mh, well, how about this. I'll keep my pack away from your village during the day, and keep your little night walks a bit safer if you bring me that sweet tasting bread each time. I think that sounds like a good deal, don't you think, Scarlet?" He said.

"It's Barry, not Scarlet." He told the wolf.

"And I'm Len." He said to the human.

Barry was quiet for a moment, the look obvious on his face that he was thinking the wolf's deal over in his head.

"Alright. It's a deal. But you better hold your end of the bargain, or they'll be hunters in the woods every night to hunt you down." Barry warned the wolf.

"I don't doubt that." Len said, that tiny smirk still on his lips.

"Okay. Well...goodnight." He said and turned around to start heading home, only to stop as he felt the beast's hot breath against his neck.

"Not so fast." He said softly, and Barry felt Len's hand slip in front of him and yank the pouch off of him, breaking the strap.

It caused Barry to jump and looked around to see Len opening the pouch and taking a piece of bread, licking his lips. "This is good stuff." He told him and the stuffed the pouch inside his jacket before he walked Barry up against a nearby tree.

"Oh, and Scarlet, you better keep your end of the deal too." He said, his voice dropping to a low whisper.

"If one day, you...let's say forget to bring that sweet little treat of yours, I think you can guess what else I'll take that's just as sweet." Len said, a finger coming up to brush against Barry's lips, and the younger male saw how the wolf licked his own as he did so.

"I understand." Barry said, keeping his voice as even as he could.

"I'm glad you do. Now, run along home Scarlet." Len said as he stepped away from Barry to let him leave.

"It's Barry." He told him as he started back down the track, to which he heard Len simply laugh at.

A/N: This plot is a bit longer than some of the other ones that I have in mind so this story will be split into two parts! I will be posting the second part sometime today or tomorrow! I hope you enjoy it, and as always, keep writing!