DCTV moodboards: Hartbarrisco - Chess AU
Hartley was once a promising young chess prodigy, whose life, unbeknownst to most, has been slowly unraveling. When his mentor, and only real ally left, forsakes him - in favor of other up and coming chess players who catch public attention far better - Hartley is emotionally crushed at first. But then he doubles down on his ambitions to climb to the very top of competitive chess leagues; to earn the money he needs now he’s been disowned, and to prove to everyone his worth once and for all
The problem with that is, Barry Allen and Cisco Ramon keep beating him - he’s never out of their shadows. Barry is fast and has an intuitive talent that Hartley struggles to comprehend. Cisco’s just as good in his own way, though a much more technical player. What gets to Hartley is that Cisco is much more interested in building a chess playing AI, that Barry is helping train - Cisco has all that skill but doesn’t even love the game the same way Hartley does.
And to add insult to injury, Eobard has thoroughly instructed them on Hartley’s weaknesses, leaving him at a distinct disadvantage. Still, Hartley keeps coming back to play them, a challenge he can’t ignore if he wants to be the best. Each time he’s laying himself bare and open to their scrutiny. With a worthy opponent seated across from him he at least feels less alone in the world for a time. He doesn’t expect to form any kind of attachment, but perhaps it was inevitable, when love and hate are so closely entwined, that his passion would express in other ways.