Chapter Text
Barnes doesn’t usually make a habit of concerning himself with the personal lives of agents. Of course, he knew that entanglements occur. It is only natural in environments where teenagers are forced to spend hours of time in each other’s proximity. Agents lived together, ate together, trained together and fought together. Frankly, Barnes didn’t think it was any of his business as long as they got their jobs done efficiently and safely.
However, ever since Lucy Carlyle had entered the London scene, Barnes could not help but notice. In the past few months, the relationship between, arguably, two of the best agents had developed into something deeper than friendship. Yes, Mr Karim is indeed integral to the burgeoning agency and a vital part of their little group. Even so, the connection the other two exhibit feels different. Barnes struggles to find a proper word to describe it. New? Delicate? Unspoken? Reliant? None seem quite right.
It is a widely known fact that Anthony Lockwood was a damn good seer. A truth that is awfully ironic since, Barnes thought, Anthony Lockwood was also incredibly blind. Whether to his own feelings or hers, Barnes doesn’t know. It wasn’t like Ms Carlyle was any better but with all the rampant changes around the girl Barnes couldn’t expect her to be the one initiating a monumental shift. So, the only conclusion Barnes has decidedly landed upon in order to unburden the entirety of London from this unbearable tension is that Lockwood needs to pull himself together right now. Turn on that brain of his and wake up to the obvious. Barnes, of all people, should know it can work perfectly well at times.
The unfortunate sight currently in front of Barnes wasn’t new. The female agents did often whisper about Lockwood. Flirting and ogling happens on quite a few occasions, though Barnes loathed to admit it. Still, he supposed he could appreciate the tall, brunette girl’s bravery in capitalising on her opportunity so openly. Especially, as all that have come before have managed to escape Lockwood's notice. The girl was one Barnes only vaguely recognised. She wore a Fittes uniform, so he supposes he would have encountered her before. Though if anyone pressed him for a name, he wouldn’t have been able to conjure one up.
Barnes must say, at this point, that he truly hopes the boy wasn't entirely visually impaired. Because if Mr Lockwood didn’t notice the death glares Ms Carlyle was currently throwing across the room soon, Barnes might have to make an arrest for first-degree murder. Her glances darting between the offending hand resting upon Lockwood's arm and his concentrated face. Safe to say, whoever this other girl was, it was lucky she remained outside of Ms Carlyle’s reach. She was seated with him and Mr Karim on the couches, and Barnes knew he could restrain her, if needed, before she gets to the Fittes girl. In the event that Ms Carlyle pounces, that is.
To his credit, Lockwood seems equally oblivious to both the Fittes agent’s touch and Ms Carlyle’s staring. It was clear as day that the young man was mostly focused on the stack of papers from DEPRAC laid out in front of him. Between the reading, occasional underlining, annotating and signing, Barnes could understand how Lockwood is missing the attention he was receiving from the others in the room. Lockwood politely nodded and hummed along to the conversation he was being baited into.
It is clear to Barnes that he was blocking out all noise from his surroundings, evidently thinking of nothing outside of contracts, regulations and permits. Lockwood did not notice when the receptionist behind the desk left a while ago. Nor, did he notice when the Fittes girl initially approached. Barnes would bet on it, judging from Lockwood’s shock a few minutes back when he looked up to see the girl already in the middle of speaking. Lockwood was a businessman after all and he took his job very seriously.
Among the shuffling sound of paper and the continuous chatter of the unknown girl, Barnes glanced at Karim. Making eye contact, Barnes knew he wasn’t the only one witnessing this thing, whatever it was, that was happening. Raising an eyebrow in a silent question, Barnes saw Karim let out an exasperated sigh and a shrug. That drew out a chuckle from the Barnes. He sympathised with the boy, knowing that if he was frustrated then Karim would have it far worse.
The Lockwood & Co headquarters, 35 Portland Row, was shared among the three teenagers. Thinking more about the living situation, Barnes conjured up images of Lockwood and Carlyle acting suspiciously domestic while Karim mentally bangs his head repeatedly against that weird table of theirs. Finally feeling quite sorry for Carlyle’s apparent agitation at the giggles and sing-songs voice from the other girl, Barnes acted to end her agony and distract her.
“Ms Carlyle,” Barnes said loudly enough to snap her out of her trance, her head quickly turning to meet him.
“Yes, Inspector,” she replied. Her voice was slightly pitched from the surprise, Barnes would guess, and her cheeks were red from getting caught staring at Lockwood. She stared at him nervously, the lilt in her voice declaring her to be unsure of him starting a conversation.
Trying to lessen the tension that suddenly filled the room, as Lockwood too stopped the scribbling he was doing upon hearing Carlyle’s voice, Barnes tried to make her feel less singled out. “It seems Mr Lockwood will still be a while. Would you and Mr Karim like some tea or biscuits in the meantime?”
She smiled at that, her shoulder visibly relaxing. Barnes realises he hasn’t seen her do much of that. He discovers he quite likes it. After further research into her background, Barnes couldn’t help but develop a soft spot for the talented Listener. Karim answers before she gets the chance to, though. “Oh, yes, please. Pitkin’s, if you have it, with milk, of course. I’ll take it without sugar but you would like some in yours, isn’t that right Luce?”
With a small smile still on her face, she seems to have come back to herself upon hearing her friend. “Tea would be perfect, Inspector Barnes,” her voice much more confident now. “Though, you need not concern yourselves with any specifics if it's too much trouble. Any kind would do.”
Chancing a glance at Lockwood, who was still standing over the papers laid across the receptionist’s counter, Barnes noticed that Lockwood had not yet returned to the task at hand. A softer version of his usual grin plastered on his face as he observed his two friends. Carlyle, suddenly aware of Barnes looking in Lockwood’s direction, turned her head to catch his attention on her. To Barnes’ surprise, Lockwood sent her a wink and then returned to finally work. Bold. That was good, Barnes thought to himself.
As tea was delivered by a DEPRAC assistant, Barnes poured some for the three sat. Mr Karim immediately picked his cup up, sending a quiet nod of thanks before entertaining himself with the assortment of biscuits offered. “Mr Karim had said you take your tea with sugar. Did he not, Ms Carlyle?” Barnes asked as he moved to open the small sugar pot.
“Please don’t trouble yourself, Inspector Barnes. I’m perfectly capable of fixing it mys—”
“Nonsense, Ms Carlyle. I particularly enjoy showing the appropriate hospitalities when I can. You are at DEPRAC. Therefore, it is merely common courtesy. And who am I if not exceedingly proper?” Barnes teased slightly.
“Alright, then,” she said as she shifted deeper into her seat. “Knock yourself out, Inspector Barnes.”
“Thank you, Ms Carlyle,” Barnes countered with a straight face and a mocking bow of the head.
She erupted into a laugh after that. “Lucy is fine, I insist,” she finally said after composing herself. “Ms Carlyle seems too formal when we’re not on the field. And seeing as only Lockwood is conducting business at the moment, I do not see the need for it.”
“Valid points,” Barnes considered while stealing a look across the room to see Lockwood widely smiling down at his paper. Barnes knew it was because of the laughter. “Fine, Miss Lucy it is then. Just Lucy would feel entirely unnatural I’m afraid.”
“Acceptable terms,” Lucy declared as she offered her hand to him. “It's a deal then.” They shook on it and they fell into a comfortable silence after that.
It was quite some time before Barnes noticed Lucy start to shift. She brought herself forward to sit on the edge of the cushion and grabbed a clean cup. Confused, Barnes once again turns towards Karim. He smirked knowingly and brought a finger to his lips in a shushing motion. Barnes decided to take the advice, leaving Lucy to her devices as she opened the other little pot to find honey, adding it to the cup before pouring tea in. Using the spoon next to her own cup, she stirred before grabbing two biscuits. Placing her acquired items on a saucer, she stood and started walking towards Lockwood. Barnes’ eyes widened
When she was a handful of steps away, Barnes snapped his head towards Karim. “Are you kidding me?” Barnes said in hushed tones. Karim was beside himself at the reaction, forcing down his laugh by putting a hand over his mouth.
“Oh! You have not seen anything yet, Inspector,” Karim replied. Gesturing towards his friends, Karim prompted him to watch what happens next. Eagerly turning around to watch the new development, Barnes noticed how Lockwood instinctively sensed Lucy approaching. Barnes did not know how but Lockwood glanced up at her, though Lucy was still a few feet away.
Lockwood put on his usual full grin now. He shifted to stand up straight as she neared, taking his elbows off the counter. Turning his back completely on the Fittes girl, Lockwood took the saucer from Lucy and gave her a quick side hug of thanks with his free hand. Though Lockwood’s released her from the embrace in mere seconds, Barnes saw him pull her towards the papers with him. Lockwood started pointing something out to her while handing her some pages. The Fittes girl left with a huff at that. Although, Barnes didn’t think Lockwood paid any mind to it. Lucy, on the other hand, had a self-satisfied smirk appear on her face.
Shaking his head slightly, Barnes tore away from the two. “How are they this oblivious?” Barnes said, returning to his conversation with Karim.
“They’re absolutely daft,” Karim proclaimed. “This is not even a particularly bad one.”
“Go on, then,” Barnes prodded.
“You know that Fittes anniversary party a while back?” Karim asked in hushed tones.
“Mhm, I know the one.” Barnes was fully leaning forward now.
Amused at Barnes’ interest, Karim continued. “Well, he gave her a necklace for it and she still wears it most days.”
Barnes couldn’t stop his hand from hitting his own head. How were these two incredibly capable agents missing this glaring piece of information? Absolutely bloody ridiculous.