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starspatter · 4 years ago

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Heroes and Thieves, Ch. 15

Title: Heroes and Thieves Fandom/Universe: BTAS, pre/post-RotJ flashback

Summary: A story about second chances, healing, and having hope.

Rating: PG-13, for references to character death, child psychological torture and trauma.

Genre: Romance/Family/Friendship/Hurt/Comfort

Word Count: 4,800 Previous Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Also on ff.net and AO3. ...I lied. This is totally a harem story. *flees*

She held onto my coat that night, like a kid lost in her sleeves Oh we warmed the ground, we hushed our sound We slept on walking feet Oh Darlin’, pardon me Can you help me remember When we were all flying free

-Gregory Alan Isakov, “Living Proof”

————————–

After.

Barbara breathed out as she stood before the large, warehouse-like building, gazing anxiously up at its second floor (and watchful security cameras she knew were installed overhead). The reinforced structure still seemed relatively sound despite the recent disaster. The… original occupant certainly knew how to choose a hideout location and prepare for all potential outcomes. …Must've been a habit he picked up from his previous landlord.

With a wary hand, she buzzed the doorbell.

Sooner than she expected, the entry flew open to reveal an unfamiliar face: a young man with a short crop of mane spiked in the front like flames, similar in color to her own.

"Well hellooo there," he greeted with a wide grin, eyeing his guest up and down. "What can I do you for, miss?"

Barbara stared at him in surprise.

"Er, is Tim home? He… does still live here, right?"

The stranger licked his lips, resting toned muscle casually against the doorframe.

"Who cares about him? What say you and me get to know each other a bit first, as fellow redheads, hm?"

He loomed towards her, admiring her luscious saffron locks. Barbara grimaced, getting ready to give the kid a good taste of a police twist hold (if not taser) – when a voice she recognized interjected from behind.

"She's a cop, Roy. And she used to be Batgirl. I wouldn't try anything if I were you."

Tim emerged beside the other teen, regarding the two dully. Unfortunately the statement only seemed to fuel his friend's lust further.

"Hot damn. You here to arrest me, officer?" He waggled his brows. "Slap some cuffs on me and take me down to the station? I wouldn't mind that on the first date."

"Roy."

"Kidding, kidding. Jeeze, you really have no sense of humor now, do you?" He lowered his limb dejectedly. "Anyway, you didn't tell me you were acquainted with such a gorgeous babe. Ain't you gonna introduce us?"

Tim sighed.

"Roy, meet Officer Barbara Gordon, the Commissioner's daughter and former Batgirl. Babs, this is Roy Harper, a.k.a. Speedy, Green Arrow's ex-sidekick."

"Ex-partner," the other boy corrected. "And it's 'Arsenal' now."

"Whatever. Now could you please give us some privacy?"

"A'ight, I can take a hint to take a hike," Roy smirked with a suggestive wink. "I've got a 'date' myself anyway. I'll leave you two alone. Don't wait up~"

He whistled and growled as he passed by Barbara on the way out, who shot him a dirty look before resuming attention to Tim.

"I see you've been keeping company. Honestly, he's worse than the Flash." (What was it with all the male copperheads she met giving her ginger brand a bad name?)

"We know each other from the Titans," he replied in a dry tone. "He needed a place to stay after Queen kicked him out – again. Dick said it was okay."

Barbara paused.

"You talk to him recently?"

Tim shrugged as he moved aside to allow her in.

"We keep in touch. He calls every so often to check up on… things."

She studied his backside as they started heading upstairs to the loft.

"And? How are 'things'?

"Fine."

She glanced around the interior of the room as they approached the top; it looked pretty much the same as she remembered. There was the ornate wall of Asian-styled checkered windows overlooking the city, and the ninja sword rack hanging next to a decorative dragon panel (behind which she knew there was a concealed compartment that used to contain Nightwing's costume). Dick did always have a flair for the Orient.

Running her hand wistfully along the armrest to the sofa, she recalled how she and Dick used to sit and cuddle together on it, enjoying late-night Chinese takeout and talks, among… other things.

A frown settled on her face as she noticed something… "off" about the couch cushions.

"'Fine', you say. …Is that why you have 'this'?"

Tim's eyes immediately narrowed as she stretched behind the seat and unzipped the foam, removing a bag of greenish-purple powder from deep within.

"It's not mine."

He answered, a little too hasty.

"Whose is it then?"

"Roy's," he stated flatly, seeming nonchalant about selling out his flatmate.

"And you're telling me you've never used any?"

He hesitated, eyes slanting aside in silence. She scrutinized the stash, recognizing to her horror that it was likely the popular new drug that was being distributed in the streets amongst decadent youth; an isolated chemical strain similar to Joker toxin, but more mild. Not strong enough to cause permanent psychological damage (at least when taken in minor doses), but enough to mimic the euphoric high for hours on end.

"Have you been doing deals with Jokerz?"

"Like hell I would," he snapped.

She reached out to sternly grab his wrist, trying insistently to meet his eye.

"Tim. Be honest with me. Please."

He yanked his arm away, glaring fiercely in anger.

"What is this, some kind of bust? Fine, go ahead, book me. I don't care. Why don't you just charge me with murder while you're at it?"

"Tim…"

"You don't get it, Barb." He clutched at his sleeves, digging digits deep into his skin. "You don't know what it's like, living with fucking laughter inside your head all the time. At least when I'm laughing louder I can't hear him."

She swallowed, biting her lip. Gently, she set the plastic down on the table.

"I do understand," she whispered softly.

He blinked at her.

"Tim, the reason I came here, is because… Lately, I've been having these… visions." She sank down on the lounger, steepling fingers in front of her. "You remember the time Scarecrow gassed me and left me in a hallucinogenic nightmare state?"

He nodded.

"It's like that, only now, I get them when I'm awake as well, at complete random. Ever since the quake, I'll experience these abrupt panic attacks, and see all kinds of terrifying shit. Then, the flashbacks start, and there's one that's always recurring…" She closed her eyes, reflecting reluctantly. "All of a sudden I'll see myself back at Arkham, fighting against Harley. We go over the edge of the cliff, and I'm hanging on like before, and she starts to slip… Only this time, I fall with her. I – I die, just like that time in my dream."

She hunched in on herself further as she continued.

"It doesn't end there though. It keeps going, and I can still see everything else play out, like when I visualized my dad going after Bruce afterwards. I – I see him and Joker, and you – JJ – there with the gun – and – and… The shot hits Batman instead."

Her speech tapered off as she finished the sentence. Her audience was deathly quiet as she carried on in a tremulous hush.

"Then you and the Joker – he – he makes you do all these horrible things – so many deaths – including Dick's – and finally my dad's the only one left – and he has to take you both down by himself – and it ends with either him shooting you – or you shooting him – and either way everyone I love is… gone."

She looked at him, tears starring her eyes.

"I'm sorry. You probably don't want to hear any of this. I – I just had to come see you…"

"To make sure I haven't gone on an insane murder spree?"

Barbara lowered her head in apology.

"I didn't mean it like that…"

Tim exhaled, unlinking his limbs as he leaned back against the table.

"For what it's worth, I don't think I've done anything recently that would land me a spot in Arkham. …Anyway, shouldn't you go see a doctor about this or something? Or someone else who can help, like…"

The weight of unspoken word hung heavy in the air. She shook her head.

"I'm scared. What if they can't treat it, say my condition's permanent? I'm no good to the force like this, I can't function out in the field. I'll have to give up my badge, after I worked so hard to finally get here..."

Tim rolled his eyes slightly.

"Gee, I wonder what that could possibly be like?"

Contriteness crossed her countenance again.

"…Sorry. That was dumb, I shouldn't have said that. I was being selfish, only thinking of myself. I shouldn't have bothered you with this. You've got enough to deal with, you don't deserve to have my issues dumped on you as well."

Tim held up his hand.

"Look, it's okay, Babs. …Is there anything I can do?"

She lifted timidly, chewing her lip.

"I – I was just hoping maybe we could… I don't know – talk for a bit?"

Tim remained mute, mulling for a moment, before turning and walking over to the mini-fridge. Opening it, he retrieved two chilled beer cans before revolving back.

"You want a drink?"

She boosted an eyebrow, but nevertheless gratefully accepted the offering of booze.

"I'm not even going to ask how you got these."

She muttered as she popped the tab and started to chug it down.

…

A nearly emptied six-pack later, they were both more than a bit tipsy, but Barbara especially so. Turns out she wasn't very good at holding her alcohol.

"I mean, who do those jerks think they are?" she slurred as she slammed her container down. "I'm not some little girl or someone's possession. I can date whoever I damn well please."

Tim perceived her lurch lopsidedly as she groped for another, growing concerned.

"Don't you think you've had one too many?"

"I'll be the judge of that," she hicced as she swatted his hand away. Tim persisted however, prying the prize firmly from her fingertips.

"That's it. I think you've had enough."

As he stood up to put the beverage back, he simultaneously fished out his phone and began dialing with his free hand.

"I'm calling your dad to come pick you up."

He felt a pressure on his lower waist, and he looked down to see Barbara clinging to the back of his shirt, burying her flushed forehead against his spine.

"Please," she mumbled into the fabric. "Just let me stay here a little longer."

He gulped, but submissively sat back down. She warmly nestled her head against his shoulder, causing his chest to beat rapidly in confusion.

"…What the hell happened to us, Tim? How did we end up like this? The four of us, hardly even speaking to each other? Dick would never return my phone calls, and Bruce – God, Bruce – I don't even know where to begin with him."

"To be fair, he was never much of a conversationalist to begin with," Tim griped bitterly. "Besides, don't you, uh, have a new boyfriend now?"

He cleared his throat, and Barbara sighed as she sat up, hugging her knees close to her for comfort instead.

"Sam's great. He understands, but… He doesn't really 'get' it, you know? What we've been through."

She traced a rim of condensation on the counter.

"Hey, you remember that time Bruce almost married a plant-woman? That was wild."

"Yeah? What about when Farmer Brown unleashed a bunch of giant mutant insects on Gotham? That's got to be the craziest adventure we ever had."

"Please. You weren't there when Baby Doll and Killer Croc teamed up and nearly nuked the city. I mean, can you imagine those two together? You can't compete with a weirder pair than that."

It was startlingly simple, to slip so smoothly back into nostalgia. Swapping stories, trying to one-up each other's exploits. Barbara would even fondly describe some of the times she worked with the original Dynamic Duo, back during the "good ol' days" – of colorful costumed villains, wacky crimes, and ridiculous motivations. Telling increasingly tall tales and amusing anecdotes that almost made Tim laugh. …Almost.

"So let me get this straight," she repeated, "You flew the Batplane all the way to outer space… to the Justice League Watchtower… by yourself?"

"Yup," Tim responded as he sedately cracked open the last metal vessel still in his lap and took a sip.

Barbara shook her head in disbelief.

"You always were a risk-taker. I still can't believe Bruce went missing and got brainwashed… again. How come I never knew about any of this? Why didn't you contact me?"

"You were off at grad school. I figured I could handle it."

Barbara propped her elbow on the plush, leaning her cheek thoughtfully against it as she tucked her legs underneath her.

"...It's good that you went to them for help."

Tim peered down, picking absently at the paper label, peeling off aluminum.

"Mr. Kent told me afterwards, that Bruce did call him in secret. The operating room's walls were lined with lead though, since they used to take X-Rays and brain scans there. Even the curtain and that stupid apron Joker wore had lead shielding. He had hench-spies stationed everywhere, in Metropolis as well, so he could render me unconscious as soon as Superman showed up and I wouldn't be able to scream. …He really was prepared for everything."

Barbara couldn't believe it. Just how long had that disgusting sicko been planning this?

"What about the Martian? He's a telepath, isn't he?"

Tim shook his head.

"Apparently the last time he attempted a city-wide psychic sweep to look for Luthor, he wasn't able to shut it off. The flood of thoughts nearly drove him mad afterwards. Bruce didn't want to risk it."

"That still doesn't excuse-"

"What's done is done," Tim curtly cut her off, crushing the canister in his grip to transfer his own resentful rage, before tossing it in the trash. "I've accepted the damage. There's no use in going back and flinging hindsight accusations at this point."

Barbara surveyed his sullen expression in overwhelming sympathy.

"…There's one thing Joker didn't count on."

"What?"

"You fighting him off in the end. You were stronger than him. You won."

Knuckles balled on Tim's kneecap.

"That wasn't a win. We lost the moment I confessed everything to him."

"That's not true, Tim."

He shook his head.

"I killed him, Barb. I did what none of us were ever supposed to do. And the worst part is, I – I was glad about it."

She extended her palm to wrap reassuringly around his wrist.

"So? You have every right to be, after what he did to you."

Tim's fist only tautened further as he avoided her eyes, ashamed of his own ugly sin.

"You know, it's ironic – Batman got gassed by Scarecrow once too. Only instead it took away all his fear. He was seriously out of control, to the point where he wasn't even afraid to kill criminals. I had to take him down myself. I… managed to keep him from making a big mistake."

He laughed then, though it sounded hollow. His eyes had such a pained look, moreso than anything physical could've caused him. The hurt was in his heart and soul. Barbara's own heart broke to see him like this. Her brain swam, swarming with remorse. Wishing there was something she could do to help heal him, convince him that he had a good heart, one that was still worthy and capable of loving others, and of being loved in return…

…

Slowly, she inclined forward – and kissed him.

…

For a second, all Tim could register was the flavor of liquor mixed with black licorice – lush and luscious on her lips – before panicking and pushing away.

"What are you doing?"

"I… don't know."

"…I think you're making a big mistake."

Barbara bristled.

"Who says?"

From their positions, she was practically on top of him. He grasped her shoulders, keeping determinedly at bay.

"You're drunk. And probably hallucinating."

"I'm not hallucinating."

He sighed, scraping a hand through his hair.

"I'm not Dick or Bruce, you know. …I'm nobody."

"You're not nobody."

Conflict clouded his eyes.

"Look, this is all kinds of wrong. What about Sam? Besides, your dad would probably kill me…"

The whites around her blue irises widened.

"Kill you…?"

…Shit.

"Babs, no, I didn't mean-"

She slid off, seizing arms around herself, impressing into her flesh.

"He'll kill you. You'll kill him. …Everyone's going to be killed. And it's all my fault."

Shit. Shit shit shit. He should've known better.

"No one's dying. We're all still alive." (…If what they had could be called "living".) "You're just imagining it."

Her claws only clamped tighter.

"Sam… What if he comes after Sam? I'm putting him in danger. Oh God." Her pupils contracted, zoning into the distance. "Sam, don't open the door – he's got a gun!"

This was not good. He was losing her. He tried to twist her around, get her to see him instead of… of… whatever it was she was trapped by.

"Babs? Hey, hey, look at me. Look at me. Whatever you're seeing right now, it's not real. You hear me? It's not real."

She stayed stiff as a board though, staring far off into vacant space.

"Dad. Oh my God, what's he doing to Dad? He's trying to turn him crazy too. No, no, make it stop!"

Worriedly, Tim shook her shoulders.

"Babs, hey, c'mon! Snap out of it!"

Her eyes were glazed, no longer glued to one spot but rolling everywhere else. Darting frantically to and fro. Features contorted, seemingly in some kind of phantom agony.

"My legs. I can't feel my legs. He took my legs."

Nails curled around her abdomen area, clenching cloth in anguish. Scrabbling, scratching, as if searching for something.

"Babs!"

"The baby," she sobbed. "I lost the baby. I couldn't protect him. Couldn't protect… im…"

The last part was muffled by a wounded choke, but… From the way she said it, it kinda sounded like…

His name.

Helpless, Tim looked on with an aching empathy as the normally tough, take-charge woman he always knew coiled into a fetal form, crying miserably. He mused if this was how he must've often looked to the others back then. He didn't know what to do, how to help her. He felt so utterly useless.

Running over options, his mind halted at one possibility. Something that used to help him deal with nightmares as a kid, before… everything. It was probably dumb and desperate, but it was worth a shot.

"Wait here. I'll be right back."

He dashed to the bedroom, opening up the nightstand drawer and fumbling around inside. Withdrawing the object from the far back, he considered it grimly for a beat, before gritting his teeth and resolutely taking it back to where Barbara was now rocking herself.

"Babs? Hey, look: Remember this?"

She ceased instantly when she saw the Batarang suspended in front of her.

"You always felt safe whenever Batman and Robin were around, right? Nothing… bad can happen to you as long as they're there."

Sentiment welled in her ducts as she reached out tentatively for the reminder, cradling it close to her breast.

"Just in case you run into trouble up there."

"Dick… Bruce…"

Tim drew her in towards him in a compassionate embrace, soothingly stroking her quivering back as if she were the child.

"It's okay, Babs. It's okay." He reiterated the phrase in her ear. "You're okay. I'm… okay. We're okay."

They stayed like that for a while, and eventually the shudders and sniffles subsided as she seemed to fall into a fitful sleep. While she still whimpered occasionally, holding the Batarang nearer did appear to help somewhat.

Just then, he heard the opening and closing of the front door as Roy returned from his "date", bounding up the steps and stopping short upon witnessing the scene before him.

"Whoahey, am I interrupting something?"

He grinned, and Tim scowled at the guy's terrible timing.

"This isn't what it looks like. Just hurry up and help me get her to the bed."

Roy was about to open his mouth to make another snide remark, but promptly shut it upon seeing the searing look Tim speared at him, and the sweat and tears on the moaning visitor's visage. Switching into serious mode, he lent a steady hand with supporting her to the mattress. He was still a hero himself, after all, always available to aid any damsels in distress.

As he agreed to take over looking after the patient for the time being, Tim thanked him and left the bedside temporarily, pulling out his cell again as he traveled downstairs. Inhaling deeply, he began to punch in another number he knew all too well, forever engraved in the back of his skull.

After a couple rings, the other end picked up with a gruff greeting.

"…Yes?"

The cold, almost impatient lack of pleasantry was all Tim needed to confirm he had indeed reached the right person.

"Bruce, it's me. …Barbara needs help."

…

When Barbara finally awoke, the first thing she spotted was Tim sitting on a reversed chair next to her, chin reposed idly on his forearms.

"Hey."

"…Hey."

"How are you feeling?"

"Better, I guess. …How long was I out?"

"The whole night. You were tossing and turning a lot."

She elevated gradually, sensing a moist towel fall from her crown onto the sheets in the process. Had he been nursing her this whole time?

As she tracked its descent, she saw she was still adhering to the Batarang as well. She blushed a bit at how babyish she must have seemed, to have to rely on something like this to calm her down.

"Um, thanks. …You can have this back now."

He relieved her of the improvised crutch, and in exchange he handed her a small vial of medication.

"Here, take this. It's similar to what Dr. Thompkins used to give me, but more concentrated. It's not a permanent cure, but it should help with the terrors. It'll likely knock you totally out for a few more days, but you won't have to suffer nightmares during it. If it doesn't work or you're still experiencing symptoms afterwards, call her and she'll adjust the dosage."

"You got this from Leslie?"

"Bruce did."

She gaped in astonishment.

"You actually spoke to him?"

"He just told me what I needed to know, then hung up and sent Alfred over with the stuff. …Typical, huh?"

His jaw drooped a little further into folds, as did his tired-looking lids.

"You're not the first Scarecrow victim to undergo relapses like this. It's rare, but everyone responds to the fear serum differently. Yours is a more severe case."

Barbara thought about how many others had to live their lives in a compromised state (or lost them entirely) all because of some psychopath who kept breaking out of Arkham – no matter how many times they put him back in – if not released through the revolving door due to (hell, courtesy of) all the corruption in the system. How many lives were really spared, while others still suffered because of their incompetence? Inconsequence.

"You know, sometimes I wonder: If what we were doing was ever really the right thing? After what happened with the earthquake… God, I don't know. Maybe this city is beyond hope. …In the end, did we even make any difference? Was it worth it – any of it? We've saved a bunch of people, sure, but at what cost? I mean, just look at us… We're a mess."

Tim simply shrugged.

"At least Dick's still doing okay over in Blüdhaven. And Bruce seems to be handling things fine on his own. Besides, it's not like he ever really needed us anyway. Because he's Batman."

Barbara observed as Tim toyed with the Batarang in his hands, balancing the tip on the chair back. She dropped her view towards the blankets.

"…You're not him, you know," she pronounced harshly. "You'll never be him."

Her own fingers fumbled with the damp napkin, and bottle of medicine, before looking up again with a smile.

"But, that's not a bad thing."

As she said this, she extended out to pat his cheek, noting the dark bags under his eyes. Had he even slept at all, she wondered? …Then again, she was probably taking up his bed, she realized with sudden embarrassment.

Tim seemed even more embarrassed by the affectionate contact, turning away with a cough. The memory of what she had done surged back to her cheeks, and she hastily detached, nervously tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, which bloomed a matching humiliated hue.

"Listen, about what happened last night…"

Tim merely waved off whatever she was about to say in advance.

"We were both drunk. It doesn't count."

"…You're awfully quick to dismiss." Detecting his fidgeting, she gleamed in comprehension. "Ah, don't tell me – you've never kissed anyone before?"

A pure pink tinge faintly colored his complexion, corroborating her suspicion.

"Ehehe, did I steal your first kiss, Boy Virgin?"

"Sh- shut up."

His flush deepened further.

"It's not like I've exactly had much opportunity to try it," he murmured in his defense. "…Besides, if we're counting that kind of thing, technically my first time would've been with Dick."

"Oh."

He sniped a sulk at her reaction.

"I gave him CPR once. What were you thinking?"

"Nothing," she declared innocently, hand hovering over her mouth to obstruct a snicker. "I bet this time was a lot better though. I'm sure you must've thoroughly enjoyed it, if not to some extent."

Tim averted his eyes again as she winked at him.

"Wh- who knows."

"Oh please. Don't deny you were the least bit curious. You think I never noticed you sneaking peeks while we were getting changed?"

Tim burned burgundy as he shifted sight down to his toes.

"I was 13. What'd you expect?"

She nodded sagely.

"You are a boy, after all. It's only natural for these things to occur."

She giggled in entertainment at his expense. When the chuckles died down, she checked the time on the alarm clock by the pillow.

"…I guess I should get going now. I'll need to call in to the station to tell them I'm taking the next days off."

He helped see her out. Standing awkwardly in the entrance, he rubbed his neck before addressing encouragingly.

"You're a great cop, Barb. You're gonna do a lot of good things for this city. I know you'll make it a better place."

She beamed.

"Thank you, Tim. …I'll start by confiscating 'this'."

She held up the contraband, which Roy had taken the liberty of hiding again, but there was no way he could outsmart a Bat, even if she wore a different symbol now.

"And I better not catch you with anything like this again, or I will take you in. Got it?"

Tim winced at the strict lecture and slap on the wrist, but nodded. Barbara softened as she reached around to envelop in a broad hug.

"…Don't be a stranger, Tim. You're the only one I can still talk to about all this."

He wavered, but kindly reciprocated the gesture. As she withdrew, she raised an arm to lightly pet his hair, discerning he had finally hit that growth spurt; he was almost at her height now.

"Listen. Someday, you're gonna meet someone special, who loves you just the way you are. And she's gonna be so lucky to have you in her life."

Tim scoffed.

"Yeah, right. Like that's ever gonna happen."

She took his hands in hers. Hands that still twitched and trembled every once in a while, as if afraid to even be touched. Hands that had, in his opinion, committed the greatest act of transgression, taking another's soul and doomed toll on his own – but had also toiled all night to keep changing her cool kerchief, tending and tenderly wiping her temple in enduring devotion to charitable ideals. That had prostrated and prayed, begging for a favor from "God" for her sake, subjugating self in spite of whatever spiteful feelings he bore towards said sore subject. …That had rescued so many lives at the risk of his own, without asking for any reward other than to have a place to call "home", and a "family" who cared for him as much as he did for them. (And even that had been mostly taken from him too, something for which she regretfully shared the blame.)

"Don't give up hope. Things will change. It's gonna get better. I promise."

She stooped forward to peck his cheek, before letting go.

"Thank you, again, for everything. I'll see you around, Tim."

"Yeah. See ya."

She left with a wave, and he halfheartedly did the same as he watched her go.

…

About a week later, after she'd fully recovered and gone back to work as good as new, she received an urgent call from Roy at the hospital.

…

Tim had tried to kill himself.

————————–

That sky glowed all calico, like phosphor in the sea To the ground we fall, she owns us all Kings and boys and beast Kings and boys and beast

#TimSteph #Tim Drake #Timmy Todd #Stephanie Brown #Barbara Gordon #Batman the Animated Series #Batman Beyond #DCAU #Return of the Joker #fanfiction #starstories #*prepares for pitchforks*

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gobydana · 6 years ago

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Leaving Part 6

Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part 6, Part 7,

Y/N was able to find a job at a diner near the townhouse. They got to work on decorating Rose’s room in the princess theme she wanted.. The two soon found themselves settling into a routine. Rose was excited to have both her parents around.

Jason went back to patrolling. He would sometimes be gone for awhile on a mission with Roy or Kori, but they didn’t last as long as before. Bruce noticed he was less reckless. If he got too tussled up at night, he would head to the cave or another siblings place to patch up. He didn’t want his daughter waking up to see her dad bleeding out. Someone would always make sure to let Y/N know he was okay.

One night after a rough patrol, Jason came home to finding Y/N waiting up for him. She was still in her work uniform. Cass had been watching Rose in the short time between her getting off and Jason leaving for patrol.

He had stopped a few thugs bugging some street girls. Right as he was heading out, he noticed two kids hiding behind a dumpster. His heart ached as it reminded him of when he and Y/N were young. He went to grab them food. They took it and ran, no doubt trying to leave before the police came to get the thugs.

The kids stuck with him the rest of the night He just kept seeing Y/N and him. He remember one time he stole some food and two candles. It was meant to light up the creepy room. They made jokes about it being a fancy date, after all he managed to get hot sandwiches, chips, and cookies. Now here they were with a kid and he never took her out.

Coming home to her waiting up just made him feel even worse. He was nothing but shit to her before and yet she is willing to give him a second chance. He thought it was time to prove that he had change.

“How was patrol.” She asked while setting down her book.

“Let’s go on a date.”

“Okay that is random.”

“Why. I was thinking, we have known each other for a long time. Hell we have a kid together, yet never went on a date. Anyone of my siblings will watch Rose and the bat himself would as well. You complain that you wanted an excuse to dress up anyways.” He said. Part of him was scared she would turn him down. After all, they had been tip toeing around their feelings since coming back to Gotham.

“What would I wear. I own no dresses.”

Jason couldn’t contain his excitement and went to hug her while lifting her up. She started laughing as he finally put her down.

“I am sure either Stephanie or Cass might have a dress you can borrow.” He said.

They spent the rest of the night talking. Jason wouldn’t give any hints on where he wanted to take her. SHe had fun trying to get him to give some hint away. That night she fell asleep on his shoulder. Rose came running in that morning demanding pancakes.

To no one’s surprise, the whole family offered to watched Rose on the night scheduled for their date. Y/N thought for sure she was going to have to break up a fight. In the end she suggested they do a movie night at the manor. Dick immediately got on board and insisted it be a Disney Marathon. Despite the groans from the rest of the family, they all came.

Bruce swung by after work, which he got out of early, to come pick Rose up. She insisted upon Jason packing her Cinderella pjs. Alfred had plenty of spare clothes for her there, but she wanted those pjs. Y/N laughed as Rose explained to Jason why she needed Cinderella pjs for watching Disney movies. Jason had yet to figure that there was no winning against a now four year old child.

After Rose left with Bruce, Jason went to work on some case items while Y/N went to get dress. For her it was hard to keep calm. She had been trying so hard to keep her feelings at bay. He had changed from back when she left him. Maybe fate was finally making up for lost time and allowing her happiness.

She finally came out of the room over an hour later. The dress was deep red and hung onto every curve. Her hair was down up and makeup on point. Jason turned to ask if she was finally read only to have his jaw drop. The dress had to have come from Stephanie and the 3 inch heels added to the look.

“You look amazing.” He said while drinking her in.

“Thank you. Nice to see you cleaned up too.” She remarked.

Jason had changed into dark jeans, a button down shirt, and traded the normal boots in for dark shoes. The black jacket hung next to the couch but helped to complete the look. His hair was still messy and to Y/N he looked sexy as can be. Her heat couldn’t stop beating frantically.

“Let’s go.” He finally managed to say.

The two decided to take the car. While Jason loved his bike, it wouldn’t work with Y/N’s dress. As they pulled out of the drive, he couldn’t help but laugh. He was dressed up and driving a car with a carseat in the back. It was a reminder at how far they came.

Alfred got them reservations at a fancy restaurant. No doubt Bruce had something set up so they wouldn’t be paying the bill. Despite the nice place, they couldn’t help old habits. Both were making comments on people around them. Giving gossip they heard or information Jason knew from Batman cases. For instance, the man over there was a mob boss. Y/N saw Jason sneak a text to Bruce letting him know the bosses location.

“Please tell me I am not the only one feeling out of place.” Y/N remarked.

“No trust me I am too, but Alfred said if I took you for the first date to a dive bar he was going to kill me. Not even Bruce’s no killing rule could help that.” Jason replied.

“I am thankful for being able to get dressed up. Though a sports bar would be nice during a Gotham Knights game.” Y/N said after taking a sip of wine.

“I’ve notice Rose already has a Gotham Knights shirt. Does she yell at the TV too.” He laughed.

“Not yet but there is hope. Kate offered to take us to a game.”

The rest of the night went smoothly. Jason would be lying if he didn’t say his heart felt like he just ran across Gotham. Never in his life had he been this nervous. On the drive home he was still debating on dropping her off and going to the manor or sleeping on the couch like he normally did.

Walking into the apartment, Jason was still running through a thousand scenarios in his head. He was so busy thinking that he didn’t notice Y/N getting closer. It was until he felt her kiss him that he took noticed. Quickly he kissed her back right as she turned to walk away.

“Goodnight cutie.” She hollered while going to shut her bedroom door. She turned back to give him a wave before shutting the door.

Life soon fell into a pattern for them. Y/N got into nursing college. Jason started taking some nights off from Red Hood. Luckily, since he worked at nights they didn’t need to worry about daycare cost anymore. Rose had started preschool as well. She loved the school she was in.

Jason’s family was very active in Rose’s life. One of his siblings always volunteering to watch her. It was good when they wanted to go on dates or get a night to themselves. Rose loved going over to the manor. Damian was teaching her Arabic too and would often read her children stories.

Around six months later, Jason was getting off the phone with Roy. The Outlaws needed to go on a mission that was bound to last a while. He really didn’t want to leave but wouldn’t turn Roy down. Plus there was something he needed to take care anyways. He got off the phone and headed towards Y/N’s room to tell her the news.

He opened the door to see her reading a book with a blanket over her lap. A cup of peppermint tea was on the nightstand. It was the same position she would be in after he came in from patrol. The sight always made him fall in love with her all over again.

“How is Roy?” She asked while going to put a bookmark in her book. It was one Jason had been bugging her to read.

“He is good. Umm need to go for a bit.” He said while scratching his head. “Most likely a month or longer.”

“Promise you will call when you can.” She said.

“Always.”

“When do you leave?” She asked.

“Tomorrow. I will let my family know so they can watch Rose when needed.” He said while going to give her a kiss.

“Stay with me tonight?” She said.

Jason crawled into bed holding her tight. He was going to miss her and Rose while gone, but it would be worth it when he came home.

Jason POV

The mission sucked but luckily he was able to call home often. He would try to hit before bedtime so that he could talk to Rose. While he was there he told Roy his plan. When they got back home, he was going to ask Y/N to marry him. They were even able to get a ring during a stakeout. Luckily the mission wrapped up early, so he planned to surprise her the night he got home.

Y/N POV

Y/N hated when Jason left because she was always afraid he wouldn’t come back. Taking care of Rose and school kept her busy enough not to think about it. It was at night when she was alone in bed that the fears would come back.

She also suspected he asked the family to check on her. Often she would come home to someone waiting. Alfred always brought food which was a blessing. After school all day it was a welcome sight. The family also cheered Rose up. She hated it when her dad was gone. If he called, she would run to the phone and talk non-stop until Y/N said she had to go to bed.

Tim had volunteered to watch Rose during her night classes on Thursdays. Her friend B/F/N would drive her since she didn’t like driving in Gotham at night. That night though she had to leave the lecture early due to being sick. Y/N swore she would be alright. The bus stop was not far from her place anyways.

The rain was coming down heavier than usual that night. Somehow she missed the stop and ended up a few miles from her place. Thinking she would be okay, she started walking home. Hopefully none of the bats see or there would be a long ass lecture coming her way.

The thought of getting home and away from the cold rain distracted her from paying attention. It wasn’t until she got grabbed that she noticed someone was following her. She tried fighting back but they were stronger than her.

“Put the girl down.” A robotic voice from around the corner said. A voice that Y/N would recognized anywhere.

Instead of letting go, the thug shot her and ran. It was a vain attempt to keep the Red Hood from killing himself.

Y/N’s hearing went fuzzy but she heard something about Batman going after the thug. Jason was talking but all she could was the panic in his voice. Her blood was going cold and her vision starting to fade. Fighting off the incoming blackness, she searched for Jason.

He ran towards her and held her. One arm was pressed against the bullet wound in her stomach, trying to stop the blood loss. Y/N reached her hand up towards his helmet trying to find the button, wanting to see his face one last time. He took it off for her and looked at her face, scared of what might happen.

“Jason” her voice came out raspy.

“Y/N save your energy. The medics are on the way. I need you to hang on until they get here, please.” Jason said, the please coming out almost as if begging her to stay alive.

“I love you Jason, but I think fate decided it was my turn to leave.” She said slowly before her eyes closed.

Jason cried out trying to get her to wake back up. His body covered in her blood that would not stop. The sounds of sirens in the distance grew louder and the ring in his pocket mocked him.

The End? Don’t worry I am not that mean, well maybe. You see I want to end here but also need closure. So I am going to pull a 1988 DC move here and you decide the fate. Reader living or dying? I have both written but only one is going up. You have until the night of my birthday, October 12, 11pm EST United States (or maybe the next morning cause well it's my birthday night.). So send me a message, an ask, or comment below. I will then tally it all and post the story the next day, most likely in the afternoon.

Tagging: @superwhoteen @spunky-89

#jason todd x reader #jason todd #red hood #red hood x reader #reader insert #roy harper #damian wayne #batman #dick grayson #blood #sorry it's short #but writing fluff ain't my thing #angst #andi don't hate me #sorry for the rush ending #but i got excited

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baby-batboys · 7 years ago

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Kink A-Z: Jason Todd

A/N: Heyyoo it’s time to get nasty ya’ll. Admittedly, this is more explicit than Dick’s but Jason is more explicit than Dick in general. And by god, I’m sorry this took so long. Long day. But I finally have RHATO Vol.2 and Injustice 2! Yay me! Also sorry if this is all over the place, I wrote this in short bursts, so yeah.

Warnings: Explicit. EXTREMELY NSFW.

A = Aftercare (What they’re like after sex)

Quiet. After the deed, Jason is fairly peaceful. He’s not opposed to pillow talk, but Jason is more of the guy to lay there, fingers in your hair and lingering on your body. If you talk, he’ll listen, maybe nod and hum. But usually, he’s there just replaying the night over and over in his head, in awe of his partner. Yeah, he gets mushy after.

B = Body part (Their favourite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

Jason loves his arms. Because of the pit, he’s stronger than usual - for him or any other human being - and it shows. Where Dick uses his legs, Jason uses his arms, so they’re nicely toned. Not too buff and not too slim. On his s/o, I feel like he’s way into boobs, big or small, and backs. He likes peppering kisses on his s/o’s breasts and sucking on them, and loves seeing their back arch, to the point he chooses positions where he knows he’ll hit the right spots to see them arch under him.

C = Cum (Anything to do with cum basically… I’m a disgusting person)

I have a lot of opinions about this. His favorite place to cum is on his s/o’s face. Just something about seeing his cum on their face, them looking up at him, he finds it crazy attractive. He also loves handjobs and finishing on his partner’s hands.

D = Dirty Secret (Pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

Guns. Now, Jason would never hurt his s/o nor would he having a gun around them with the safety off, but just having them there in the bedroom is a huge turn on for him. He would probably never bring it up, but his guns are his babies, and he’d never say no to adding them to the fun.

E = Experience (How experienced are they? Do they know what they’re doing?)

Flip it anyway you want it, Jason has skill. Quickies, Threesomes, whatever. He knows what he’s doing. Now of course you don’t get much game when you’re six feet under, but he’s intuitive and creative, so that fills in the spots.

F = Favourite Position (This goes without saying. Will probably include a visual)

Jason has a number of positions in his arsenal and depending on his mood, he’ll go with a different one. His ultimate favorite is ‘Z’ position, having his s/o on their back and him sitting up between their legs. It gives him the perfect view and the perfect angle to go just the pace he wants. His next favorite is cowgirl, them facing him. He likes seeing them in motion, seeing them breathless and gasping on top of him while he holds their hips. His last favorite is missionary and he usually resorts to it when he’s close. It lets him go as rough and as fast as he likes with minimal effort. Plus it lets him go as deep as possible.

G = Goofy (Are they more serious in the moment, or are they humorous, etc)

Jason is serious. Once he gets to it, he’s into it all the way. He’s zoned in on his partner and how it feels and how he’s unwinding. He’s kind of too preoccupied to come up with funny quips.

H = Hair (How well groomed are they, does the carpet match the drapes, etc.)

He’s either clean cut or barely trimmed. No in between. Luckily, he’s not one of those unfortunate fucks like Dick who choose to wear skin tight suits, so he has the luxury to pick and choose. Sometimes he’s clean shaven (when he has to time to) and sometimes not. He maintains a balance. And he just likes the look of going ‘Brazilian’ down there. As for carpets and drapes, fuck the whole red-head Jason thing they match. Both Black.

I = Intimacy (How are they during the moment, romantic aspect…)

Despite the roughness and how down and dirty he can get, Jason considers sex a really intimate activity. He’s known as the ‘hard-shell’ brother, so it’s not often he’ll open up to someone, which is why when he does have sex he gives it his all. He’ll praise his partner and compliment them to the moon and back, his eyes are glued to them.

J = Jack Off (Masturbation headcanon)

I feel like Jason does jack off, but he’s not a big fan of it or does it often. When he does though, it’s to get the horniness out of the way. He watches porn while he uses his hand or a fleshlight (thanks for the ‘gag-gift’, Roy) and gets down to business. Jason’s a very visual person, all about appearances and taking things in that way, so the porn helps him a lot. Regardless of how much time he has, he likes to do it quick and fast. And just like usual, he finishes all over his hand.

K = Kink (One or more of their kinks)

Guns, Public or Semi Public Sex (Mainly libraries or the manor), Breath play, Edging, Periods of Abstinence, Light Bondage, Red Lingerie.

L = Location (Favourite places to do the do)

He has a number of places. Of course, above all, he’d rather do it from the comfort of his own home, but there are some other places. These include in between the aisles of libraries, the manor, bar bathrooms, cars, or anywhere he might get caught.

M = Motivation (What turns them on, gets them going)

With Jason, he’s either in the mood or he isn’t. Sometimes he’s really wrapped up in a case, sometimes he’s really into a good book, sometimes he just wants to cuddle. But when he’s in the mood, he loves being teased. In a different way than Dick, he likes it when his s/o plays the jealousy game or acts flirty in public. Maybe it’s because he knows he’ll get his way. But to him it’s a huge turn on and he’ll be carrying you home ASAP to even the score.

N = NO (Something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Daddy dom, Slave roleplay, Sex on drugs, Non-con roleplay, Bruise-inducing BDSM, Knife-play.

O = Oral (Preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc)

This goes without saying. Jason loves oral. No matter which end he’s on. He loves getting it and if he’s comfortable with you he’ll ask for it. He loves his s/o looking up at him with him in their mouth, loves having his hands in their hair. It drives him nuts. If you’re a pro at it, Jason is basically a goner, bucking his hips into your mouth without even thinking about it. When it comes to giving, he’s a pro. He likes switching up the pace to keep it fun and likes to make you come more than once. He actually finds it fun.

P = Pace (Are they fats and rough? Slow and sensual? etc.)

Patience is Dick’s strong suit, Tim’s too. Not Jason’s. Sure, he’s use to playing the long game at work, but in bed he’s rough and fast paced. He likes being on top because it gives more control pace wise, but he’ll take cues from his partner. Sometimes he might stop for long strokes, but usually he’ll hover over you, put your hands above your head, and just go to town.

Q = Quickie (Their opinions on quickies rather than proper sex, how often, etc.)

Quickie King. He’ll take it anytime. Five minutes before patrol or a meeting with Black Mask? In the manor ten minutes before everyone comes back? Seven minutes before your favorite show is on? Sure. It gives him an excuse to be a little more rough and he loves the feeling of tousled hair and breathless pants. Hot moments between little patches of boring daily life.

R = Risk (Are they game to experiment, do they take risks, etc.)

Jason lives on risk. It’s probably why he’s been dead before. He’s not changing anytime soon. He has little fantasies he’ll ask to play out and go for and if you have any in mind, as long as it’s not really out there, he’ll be down.

S = Stamina (How many rounds can they go for, how long do they last…)

Jason is like his guns. He’ll fire off as many rounds as you need. His stamina is off the charts. Just let him get a drink, take a breather, and he’s ready to go again. He lasts an average amount of time, because he’s not too much of a teaser, but he also doesn’t like to get ahead of himself. Usually, he holds out until his partner gets theirs.

T = Toy (Do they own toys? Do they use them? On a partner or themselves?)

Jason has some toys here and there, nothing big. The ones he does have are usually for couples and they’re all kept in his apartment. Maybe one pack of rope, a fleshlight, a ball gag, ect. He doesn’t use them frequently or routinely and he can get off without them, but they’re there just in case you wanna try something new.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

Jason will tease during oral, but that’s as far as he’ll go, because after that to tease his partner is to tease himself. He gets off by seeing or knowing his partner is too, so teasing is pretty counterproductive for him. Now, for him to be teased is another story. Jason is a man of action, so if you’re holding out and teasing he can flip the tables to make it a tease for you.

V = Volume (How loud they are, what sounds they make)

Jason grunts. He’s a quiet one but one that is very easy to read. His muscles tense, he grips the sheets, and between little actions he lets out grunts and pants and sweet questions like ‘you good?’, ‘you okay?’ and other lovely compliments.

W = Wild Card (Get a random headcanon for the character of your choice)

Call him ‘Red’ in bed and he’ll melt. No one knows why, not even him, but call him ‘Jay’ or ‘Red’ or ‘Baby’ in bed and you’ll get whatever you want.

X = X-Ray (Let’s see what’s going on in those pants, picture or words)

Jason owns like five pairs of boxers. One is for suits, two are for if he’s wearing leather pants. The other two are reserved for if people are coming over and if he’s working out. Besides that, commando all day. Especially if he’s wearing sweatpants. It’s comfortable.

Y = Yearning (How high is their sex drive?)

Jason can do without, but he very much prefers to do with. Jason has a high drive with high stamina, but if he’s not getting any then he’ll be fine. But it’s more a case of willpower than drive.

Z = ZZZ (… how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

Jason doesn’t, not unless prompted to. He’ll go to sleep if his partner does, but if not he’ll just lay there and talk to them all night. Jason’s a light sleeper - deep sleep reminds him too much of being dead - and only really goes into a deep sleep when he’s drugged, sedated, or after he’s been hurt. Most times, if his partner doesn’t go to sleep, he’ll get up and go get snacks to share, or just grab a book.

#jason todd #jason todd headcanons #jason todd imagine #jason todd headcanon #jason todd imagines #red hood #rhato #red hood imagine #batfam #batfamily

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libralita · 7 years ago

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Title: Before the Devil Breaks You

Author: Libba Bray

Summary:

New York City. 1927. Lights are bright. Jazz is king. Parties are wild. And the dead are coming...

After battling a supernatural sleeping sickness that early claimed two of their own, the Diviners have had enough of lies. They're more determined than ever to uncover the mystery behind their extraordinary powers, even as they face off against an all-new terror. Out on Ward's Island, far from the city's bustle, sits a mental hospital haunted by the lost souls of people long forgotten--ghosts who have unusual and dangerous ties to the man in the stovepipe hat, also known as the King of Crows.

With terrible accounts of murder and possession flooding in from all over, and New York City on the verge of panic, the Diviners must band together and brave the sinister ghosts invading the asylum, a fight that will bring them fact-to-face with the King of Crows. But as the explosive secrets of the past come to light, loyalties and friendships will be tested, love will hang in the balance, and the Diviners will question all that they've ever known. All the while, malevolent forces gather from every corner in a battle for the very soul of a nation--a fight that could claim the Diviners themselves.

Rating: ★★★★★

Review:

This was a step up from the last book but there were still some problems. I felt like the Diviners were kind of being brats to Will and Walker. These two are the only people who know what the hell they’re doing and for part of the book they’re just dicking around. But other than that I really enjoyed this book.

Everything was going wrong for the characters. They’re starting to hit their lowest moments and we’re getting ready for probably the final book. I didn’t even mind the back and forth between Evie, Jericho and Sam. It felt natural and not annoying. I like Evie’s interactions with boy guys. This was just a really fun if flawed book in a fun if flawed series.

Why does it have to be a creepy asylum?

“Pack up you troubles in your old kit bag, and smile, smile, smile!”—Page 6

Nopenopenope.

“Not everyone here knows the story, Evie,”—Page 11

Plus we gotta recap since there was like a two year gap between books 2 and 3.

We must create Will Fitzgerald’s School for Gifted Youngsters!

Nothing says friend of the working class like being stuck up snobs.

Sarah Snow and Harriet Henderson, what are they part of the Alliteration Association?

“The Metaphys—needle thing—is all fine and dandy. But what about weapons? What do you have that get rids of ghosts? Is there a Jake Marlowe ghost container lying around somewhere?”—Page 54

Who yah gonna call? Ghostbusters!

Aw, Will and Evie are having a family moment. Evie’s great when she’s not being…bratty.

“Will dunked a cookie half into his cup while Evie watched in fascinated revulsion. She wrinkled her nose.”—Page 67

What? Dunking your cookies into milk is like a standard thing.

“‘I don’t know where he is,’ Sister Walker said with a note of sadness. ‘He left us one day. We never saw him again.’”—Page 68

Heh…about that….

There’s flashbacks to Will’s days in the DoP which was interesting.

“He was a magician involved with the occult. He performed pagan ceremonies in the basement.”—Page 101

I’m sure that won’t be important at all.

Don’t be fire Theta, be light.

150 dollars is 2,046 dollars a week! Jesus Christ.

“‘What you did, that was terrorism.’ Arthur’s eyes flashed. ‘What do you call it when they shoot up our camp with machine guns and terrify the workers? Why does no one hold them accountable? Where are the prisons for them, huh?’”—Page 120

Why technically what they’re doing isn’t terrorism because it’s not for a political goal. It’s incredibly shitty and horrible but probably not terrorism. I’d have to know what Arthur and his brother’s intent were to say whether blowing up the factory was terrorism. If it was to incite terror and for a political goal then yeah. The shooters are inciting terror but not really for a political goal.

Don’t do it Mabel.

“Didn’t you have to break the rules to win against the Devil?”—Page 121

You’re dehumanizing your enemy.

“He was thirty-seven years old.”—Page 159

Oh shit.

Aw, the Bennington ghost is nice!

“Ling moved as swiftly as she could. She touched the credenza gingerly. It was still warm. ‘It’s pos-i-tute-ly solid now.’ ‘You’re using the word!’ Henry beamed. ‘I taught her that word, you know.’”—Page 175

I love Henry.

Protect Conor Flynn? Oh! He’s the drawer!

The crops had turned bad…was that the place that Bill destroyed?

“‘Nearly seven thousand,’ the warden said. ‘The asylum was built to house far less than that. And we’ve only a third of the staff we need. We’ve written to the governor countless times. It seems that no one cares about these poor people except us.’”—Page 189

He’s so slime-y.

Let’s sneak around a creepy asylum. What could possibly go wrong?

What’s going on with James?

I bet the men in the gray suits didn’t burn down the town. Theta did.

Roy is alive? Is this just to make Theta not a murderer? I think that’s kind of silly. I don’t know if Roy will be important but I think it would have been better if Theta had to deal with the fact that she killed Roy. We’ll see what Bray does with him in the next book.

It’s the girl who was kidnapped! Why does Jake have her? Is he using Diviner blood to help Jericho?

“I’ve been injecting her with the purification serum for weeks now.”—Page 232

What the fuck? You’ve been getting rid of her “Jewishness”? What the fuck???

Miriam is talking to Connor?

Sleep over at the ghost-filled asylum! Greaaaaaat!

Oh shit, Father Hanlon must’ve molested or raped Conor.

Evie is acting weird…. Oh shit! She’s possessed!

Oh good, they’re all together again!

And now everyone knows that Theta is a Diviner. Also good job Isaiah for ringing the fire alarm.

“‘I’m an ass.’ ‘Well. That’s true.’ ‘Why you gotta be so agreeable?’”—Page 281

I love Henry.

“‘‘Oh, pardon me, I thought you were my pal, Ling. But now that you’re trying to eat my face, I can see I was wrong about that!’’ Ling grimaced. ‘If I were going to eat a face, it would not be yours.’ ‘I’ll have you know my face is quite edible,’ Henry insisted.”—Page 283

I love these two.

Wait, James’s crew of Diviners were holding hands the last time.

“Evie marched up to Will and slapped him hard. ‘How could you? How could you!’”—Page 298

Oh shit.

Y’all are acting like brats. Just shut up and listen to the only two people who know what’s going on.

“She had to end it decisively. Burn it all down. Make him hate her. That was the only way to keep him from coming back. That was the only way to keep him safe.”—Page 302

UGHHHHHHH! In my 20 years of life I have never once been in a situation where the solution was “make the person I love, hate me” was the solution. NEVER.

Theta, dear, you can’t stab Memphis in the heart and then try to talk to him again.

Who ya gonna call? The Diviners. Doesn’t have the same ring to it as Ghostbusters.

Memphis’s mother made a bargain with the King of Crows? Damn. That’s why she didn’t want Memphis to heal her.

Oh no, Bill-Memphis confrontation.

I’m glad that Theta at least is telling someone about Roy but I don’t know if Evie is the best person to tell.

“The whole quest felt more like an elaborate game designed to keep them busy.”—Page 371

Maybe it is.

“The gift is yours. It has chosen you,”—Page 385

I pretty sure Theta just has this gift because of scientific experiment.

“Jericho had no idea what Marlowe was talking about. It really did sound like something from a fantasy novel.”—Page 388

*coughs*

Jericho is talking to Miriam!

“January 25, 1920. Subject deceased.”—Page 406

They’re all died. Chills.

Bountiful, Nebraska. Isn’t that with the creepy girl from Isaiah’s vision.

Is Miriam in the basement?

Diviners blood. At least he’s not completely killing them…hopefully.

Well at least this whole “making Memphis think Theta hate him” thing only lasted 100 pages.

Chapter 51: Horny teenagers.

So Arthur’s just trying to get dirt on Mabel’s parents for the government and the rest of the Secret Six.

Fight fire with fire and see the whole world burn down.

“Twelve dead children, burned to bones, lying on a field in New Jersey because of one man’s greed.”—Page 459

Actually, I’m pretty sure they’d be alive if you hadn’t…y’know BLOWN UP THE MINE.

Hmmm…maybe Sarah Snow is there to sew the doubt in the public’s mind about Diviners. She’s his propaganda generator.

Before the Devil Breaks You…have sex.

OH NO SAM IS KIDNAPPED!

Isaiah saw a vision of the holocaust. I wonder how much these Diviners shenanigans influences the future.

Oh shit, Mabel died. BRAY THIS IS A YOUNG ADULT NOVEL YOU’RE NOT ALLOWED TO KILL KIND OF MAIN CHARACTERS!

Sarah Snow died, too. Sucks.

After Mabel’s death happened Fight Song by Rachel Platten came on and YEAH THAT DID NOT HELP AT ALL!

So Memphis, Isaiah and Bill are leaving through the underground railroad. Wonder where they’ll end up.

WILL IS DEAD AND DAMMIT BRAY! YOU GOT ME CRYING! DAMMIT! I’M SO MAD THAT EVIE AND HIM NEVER MADE UP. AHHHH!

Is Connor dead? I doubt he is.

I’m a little disappointed that we didn’t get a check in with Jericho about how he was doing before the book end but eh. Oh, he’s going to be so sad when he finds out Will is dead. He could never explain why he went to Marlowe’s.

#before the devil breaks you #Libba Bray #the Diviners #reviewsdaytuesday #2018 Reviews

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jbuffyangel · 8 years ago

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Rebuilt: Arrow 5x22 Review (Missing)

"Missing" was amazing! Emotional and action packed with zinging dialogue.

What struck me most was how full circle it was. "Missing" sets up the heroes versus villains battle that will come to fruition in the finale, but it also kicks off the basic question Oliver must ask: What makes a hero? What makes a villain? Those concepts are not always rigid. In fact, the very essence of hero and villain is fluid.

Oh... and did I mention there's an Olicity reunion scene?

Let's dig in...

Olicity and OTA

The Throwing Star killer is in prison and Oliver Queen's approval ratings are in the 70th percentile. (That's how you know it's TV. If there's a politician in my lifetime with that high of an approval rating I'm just assuming it's the apocalypse.) Seeing both personas, Oliver and the Green Arrow, get the credit each deserves and Oliver being treated for the hero HE IS makes me want to run up mountains and sing songs.

The battle is won. Let’s party.

Quentin wishes Oliver a happy birthday because heart strings.

Source: olivergifs

Did y'all notice the size of that gift? Think about where these men began and where they are now. What I love about Oliver and Quentin is how similar they are. Both men are hard shells, but once you crack it it's nothing but ooey gooey center. Oliver has earned Quentin's respect, trust and forgiveness. Quentin sees Oliver as the honorable man he is and put a motherf*****bow on it. IT MAKES ME FEEL THINGS Y'ALL.

Thea and Oliver take a minute to recap her emotional trajectory. They recall the last time Arrow celebrated a birthday - Thea's 18th birthday. Do you remember? It was a lifetime ago. Thea got a new car, did some Vertigo and crashed it. Good times.

But it led to THIS!!!!!

I miss Roy.

Anyways, Oliver talks about how far Thea has come because he reads my mind. Thea laments that she doesn't think she's come quite far enough. Oh... my sweet honey child. Let the pain go!

I am all ready to give Thea a pep talk, but Oliver "I Am 32 And Emotional Evolved" Queen steps up to the plate.

Source: olivergifs

Tear.

Oliver Queen, you have been through some shit but you have seen the light my dear boy. This is hard earned character growth. Now go get your girl.

Thea wants to take Oliver out for his birthday. QUEEN SIBILINGS FOREVER. Oliver has plans. Oh? You don't say?

"Please say not Susan Williams."

Thea summed up Susan William's entire character arc for me in a single sentence. And did I almost see a shudder come from Oliver? Perhaps it's wishful thinking, but he at least gave a good awkward stammer. In fact, no dear sister, dinner is with Felicity Smoak. You know, the human equivalent of a rainbow, forever light of Oliver Queen's life, future mother of his children and your nieces and nephews. That Felicity Smoak.

As for Susan Williams, come Thea girl, pull up a chair because you have MISSED THINGS. Particularly the glorious break up in which Oliver dumps Susan's ass because, once again, he's not sure he can have a relationship and be the Green Arrow. Meanwhile, Felicity asks him over for dinner and homeboy falls over himself sprinting to the loft, but that's just details. I totally believed him about Susan. It was all concern about safety, balance, blah blah. Nothing to do with the urge to chew his arm off post coitus.

I'm sorry. The snark just flows. I can't stop it.

Thea wants to know if it's a date.

Source: amanitacaplan

She was always with us fandom. Thea never lost faith. Check her pocket. I half expected Thea to hand Oliver Moira's ring, slap him on the back and say, "Go get her big fella." Also, somebody needs to fic this scenario.

Oliver plays it casual. Date? Pfft. What date? It's not a date.

Maybe it's a date. Could it be a date? Dear God, let it be a date. Oliver is praying to the higher power like Are You There God? It's me, Margaret.

Thea doesn't believe him. Nobody believes you Oliver. You lack zero chill with Felicity. The heart eyes run deep my friend. Just embrace it. You can't change.

Of course, it's the surprise party which leads to Oliver putting Curtis on his back. This never gets old. A+ comedic reactions from everyone involved.

Source: sharingmyworld

Oliver blows out the candles on his LORD MESA cake.

Source: legendsofcomics

The shout out to this man, who is an genius and absolute gift to this fandom, is so freaking earned. I cheered. @lordmesa-art brings us all a lot of joy with his artistry. He absolutely needs to be Arrow canon. I love when Arrow goes meta. There's a Green Arrow with the #6 the arrows in the target - a celebration for their Season 6 renewal of course. Take that haters! Don't bitch at me about ratings. Seriously. Enough. The explanation for the 6 is Felicity ordered the cake for a six year old. She thought a Green Arrow cake for a grown man would raise alarm bells. That... makes a lot of sense actually. Our girl is so smart.

So why is Arrow celebrating Oliver Queen's birthday now after all these years? It's not simply because there's a lull in the action. This is about how far Oliver Queen has come, especially in these last few episodes. When Oliver came home he wanted to keep everyone he loved at arm's length. He shut down the very essence of who he is, his humanity, because Oliver believed it was required to protect those he loves, save the city and honor his father. In the end, Oliver discovered the exact opposite was required to be the Green Arrow.

He had to open himself up to family

friendship

and love

to become someone else... something else. That's how he took the darkness used it for light.

It hurt. A lot. Oliver has been to hell and back. He's faced the very worst parts of himself and came out the other side.

Oliver has learned to honor truth over lies, team work over control, love over loneliness and forgiveness over self hatred. These past five years, Oliver has learned how to choose home over the island. He's not just surviving. Oliver Queen is living. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate that evolution than his 32nd birthday. Oliver has been reborn.

Source: legendsofcomics

Everyone takes a moment to talk about what they are going to do with their summer vacations. Television shows are set up exactly like school. Where is the lie? Diggle wants to go fishing with JJ. Curtis wants to go to Florence. And Felicity...

Source: felicitys

The subtle look she shoots Oliver is not so subtle.

If you would like to see a man become a rainbow - this is what it looks like.

As for Oliver, he just wants some socks.

Source: bazingagubicorn

Source: felicitys (I love this gif)

What’s to know people? He's gonna stop at Target, grab some socks and condoms, on the way to a night under the stars with Felicity Smoak. He's a simple man. What else does Oliver need when he has his whole world looking back at him?

Picking up on the sexual tension/feels overload Team Arrow makes themselves scarce. Well, except for Curtis.��He pulls up a chair and grabs a bowl of popcorn. This on top of his epic shipper spiral post party.

Source:felicityssoliver

Curtis is me on a deeply spiritual level. Ship it hard my brother.

Diggle, Captain of the Olicity ship, actually wants to make this reunion to happen though so he physically removes Curtis.

Source:oliverdant

And we're here.

Source: legendsofcomics

When Arrow began Season 4 they had every intention of breaking Oliver and Felicity up. The moment Oliver lied about William to Felicity in 4x08 we knew that's where we were headed. However, I always believed Olicity would find their way back to one another. Arrow has been slowly and steadily rebuilding what they broke. It has been a long and hard road, but they are here. We are here.

Find My Way Back by Eric Arjes

One step closer

Closer to the light

No matter where we're going

I'll be by your side

And everything we used to know

Crashed into the great unknown

One step closer

We're gonna be alright

I love how simple this moment is. Love feels like an inertia out of our control, but the truth is, it is a choice. For those wondering how Olicity could ever get back together, it always boiled down to this: once Oliver and Felicity faced their issues, dug deep and dig the work, then all that remains is the simple choice to begin again. Love isn't always marked by a lot of fan fair. Most of the time, it's the quiet moments that define you. The moments when you look into the eyes of the person you love and say yes. Yes to trying again, to forgiveness, to rebuilding what was broken... one step at a time.

Source: amanitacaplan

Oliver came to the loft, dressed in a suit, hoping this was that moment but uncertain if it was. Felicity acknowledges the ruse and team's desire to give them alone time because of it. All of Team Arrow just wants them to have all the babies.

I love how bold Oliver is in this moment. My boy gets his flirt on. He wasn't certain what the dinner meant, if it was about alone time for them, so he just... ASKS. It's so freaking fantastic. There was a time when Oliver would have talked around something like this, or choose not to address it or simply let her go. Not this time. Not ever again.

Oliver stumbles at the word date, his nerves getting the best of him, and I believe he didn't want to put too much pressure on Felicity. However, this is a man who isn't afraid. This is open and honest communication. He doesn't hide what he was hoping dinner meant. Oliver is charging through that door Felicity opened in 5x20.

And Felicity, so sweetly and with a gentle little wink, confirms Oliver's hope because it's her hope too. Felicity says yes to trying again, but slowly. There's no rush to the altar here. She wants to be sure they are solid, so they never break up again. That means taking things slow. A walk under the stars, hand in hand, one step at a time, together.

This exquisite, beautiful, warm and loving light lives in Oliver Queen and Felicity always harnesses it. I often say Oliver Queen is the sun the other characters revolve around. With Felicity's answer, Oliver becomes pure sunshine.

And there it is.

The moment David Ramsey promised at HVFF. The moment Marc confirmed we were building towards in July. A simple, quiet, open, honest, forgiving, and most of all loving, yes. This is how you repair what is broken. This is Olicity rebuilt.

I was so happy with 5x20. It was everything I ever wanted from Oliver and Felicity for the past five years. Whatever came after was always just going to be icing on the cake for me. What I love about this moment is how builds off of everything 5x20 established so perfectly. The moment Oliver celebrates his life with his family, he and Felicity decide to start their lives together again. If I'm being honest, it's satisfying AF. This moment is EARNED y'all.

Cause even underneath the waves

I'll be holding on to you

And even if you slip away

I'll be there to fall into the dark

To chase your heart

No distance could ever tear us apart

There's nothing that I wouldn't do

I'll find my way back to you

Felicity senses Oliver isn't quite at ease and questions him about it.

Oliver immediately leaps to the conclusion that she's talking about them (because that's all he can process right now) and jokes about dating his ex-fiancé.

THIS CUPCAKE. He's so scared to put an official label on it, but he wants to so desperately.

No Oliver, you love sick fool. It's not hypothetical. This is real. Embrace the joy my friend. She came back to you.

I expect the fandom to abuse this gif.

Source: gothsmoak

Oliver learning how to relax while being the Green Arrow is still a skill he has to master (*cough*fivemonthtimejump*cough*)

and I love how Felicity encourages him to chillax - bad socks and all.

So let's talk about the tie loosening. I refuse to see that as anything but Felicity beginning to undress Oliver right then and there. Coupled with night under the stars and eye sex,

Source: olicityloyalty

I feel it's pretty clear where Felicity thinks the next step should be.

Alright, it's pretty clear where I think the next step should be.

I'm not going to argue that Oliver doesn't frequently need his bottle uncorked, but he also has great instincts. These instincts kept him alive for the last ten years, they are almost other worldly. They also make him a pain in the ass too, but overall his instinces are helpful. Oliver knows something is up in his gut. It's no different than feeling a rocket a hair trigger before it explodes or someone sneaking up behind him. But he wanted to believe. Oliver wanted to war to be over, to be happy and just live so he let his guard down. He ignored his gut.

The gun scene was as adorable as I hoped it was,

but I wasn't anticipating yet another emotional reconnecting moment between Oliver and Felicity. Dinah and Curtis are gone and Felicity is rightly concerned about the League of Assassins. They be crazy. So, our girl is ready to hunker down and operate comms remotely. Oliver's response signals just how far he's come and how much he's grown.

Source: oliverxfelicity

Felicity stays put. Right next to him. Exactly where he can see her. Didn't you love the part where Oliver reassures bae that Talia Al Ghul and her LOA flunkies can bring it? Oliver will handle business. Felicity doesn't need to be afraid. He won't let anything happen to her.

Confidence is so sexy in a man.

Oliver knows he needs Felicity by his side if he has any chance of stopping Chase. He's not pushing her away. He's not trying to handle everything on his own. Oliver is admitting he needs Felicity's help. He needs HER.

It seems Oliver isn't the only one looking for a little firmer confirmation on status. Felicity wants to know if Oliver's motivations are simply tactical or is there a little more to it? Girl... you are his lobster. Come on now.

Source: oliverxfelicity

Oliver immediately tells Felicity the truth which is OF COURSE it's not just tactical. Oliver ignored his gut and not only is his team in danger, but so is his son.

Source: klarolicityswan

I love how William is just an open, honest and natural subject for Olicity now. Felicity tries to reassure him, but Oliver rightly corrects her out that while her assurances are appreciated there's no way either of them can know for certain if William is safe. And since Chase is crazy pants, Oliver feels it's highly unlikely that he is. (Gotta trust those parental instincts Oliver. They are seldom wrong.) Essentially, Oliver is telling Felicity that by allowing those he loves out of his sight made them vulnerable to Chase. He will not make that mistake with her. HE. WILL. NEVER. LET. HER. GO. AGAIN. Y'all I am emotional.

Except... then Quentin and Thea are taken. What follows is yet ANOTHER emotional scene not only with Oliver and Felicity, but with Diggle. Oliver finally realizes that Chase is taking away his strength, his team, to leverage his freedom. Oliver wants Diggle and Felicity to get out of town, which is meant with strong opposition particularly by Diggle. John will not abandon Oliver, but Oliver doesn't look at it that way. Chase is slowly picking off Team Arrow one by one. Felicity and John are the only two left and they are the foundation of the team. Oliver operates on instinct, but he fears that instinct is what is putting Diggle and Felicity in danger. Oliver depends on John and Felicity. If Chase threatens them, and he will, Oliver's instinct is to pull Diggle and Felicity close. His instinct was to send Thea, Quentin and William away. His instinct was to allow Curtis, Rene and Dinah to operate business as usual. Every choice, every instinct, Oliver has followed Chase has used against him. So, Oliver is mixing it up. He's going to directly opposite of what his heart tells him to do and send John and Felicity away.

Felicity doesn't want to leave. She's worried about Oliver. So, now it's time for Oliver to reassure her. If he's not worried about her, then he can focus on Chase and finding the others. If Felicity leaves then he'll be safer. This argument proves how well Oliver knows Felicity. She won't put her safety above Oliver's, but she will listen to him if she believes this keeps him safe.

Source: tinaday3w

But even then, neither of them wants to let go. They hold hands like they've done many times before,

as circumstance forces them to separate,

their eyes conveying everything they are feeling in the moment-

that be apart is the last thing either of them wants.

Source: gothsmoak

The problem is, Chase wants Oliver to doubt his instincts. He wants him to rethink everything that feels right. As Diggle and Felicity are driving away from the city, Felicity's instincts tell her they were wrong. They've over thought this. They should have never left him alone. SHE should never have left him.

Felicity's right. She's always right. A LOA flunkie shows up with two swords which leads to a hilarious Delicity moment as they recall their encounter with Isobel Rochev.

Source: westallenolicitygifs

Emily Bett Rickards and David Ramsey's comedic timing is always stellar. I need more. All the time more.

Unfortunately, car versus murderous woman doesn't go exactly like it did with Isobel Rochev. Diggle and Felicity's car crashes and then IT EXPLODES. Not gonna lie, I screamed many screams.

DO NOT DO THAT TO ME MARC GUGGENHEIM. THOSE ARE MY CHILDREN. WE DO NOT BLOW UP DIGGLE AND FELICITY'S CAR. THERE ARE RULES ABOUT THAT SORT OF THING.

But they are totes fine, so I could breathe again. I mean... they aren't ever going to kill these two, but I'll never be okay with the threats of it. Unfortunately, Diggle up against several LOA members isn't a fair fight even with those bowling balls for arms. Diggle and Felicty are taken... and Oliver is left to fight Chase and save everyone he loves alone.

Source: legends-of-today

OR IS HE ALONE?

Malcolm Merlyn

My hatred of Malcolm Merlyn runs deep.

Primarily because Malcolm sees himself as the hero and not the villain. This began over love for Malcolm. He was once a good and loving husband and father. Losing Rebecca shattered the man Merlyn was and he forged himself into someone else... something else. Love beget grief. Grief beget revenge. Revenge beget a lust for power. At every turn, Merlyn has operated in his own self interest, but firmly believed they were righteous and for the greater good. Merlyn unleashes evil and believes it is love. That's the level of sociopath we are dealing with here.

Merlyn is the reason Robert Queen died.

He's the reason Oliver ended up on that island.

He killed Tommy.

He used his OWN DAUGHTER

as the weapon to kill Sara Lance.

Merlyn sent Oliver into a death trap into Season 3 to save his own hide.

He put Thea in Ra's Al Ghul's cross hairs, which is how she wound up on a ventilator.

Merlyn served William up to Damien Darhk like cheese and crackers.

He was an active participate in Laurel's death (I'm not really mad about that though, but let's just add it to the list).

All of these crimes have gone unanswered on Arrow. Essentially unpunished. Sorry folks, a hand doesn't cut it for me. Ha! Cut it. Get it?

There's a reckoning coming Malcolm Merlyn and it is long past time.

We haven't seen much of Malcolm Merlyn this season and I think it was a wise choice. The character, in my mind, is the new LL and has run his course. If they are bringing him back then it needs to be for an intended purpose and Arrow made that purpose wildly clear.

Merlyn has been busy this year though - on Legends of Tomorrow as part of the Legion of Doom. He partnered with Damien Darhk and Eobard Thawne to alternate time and change the world to their liking. However, I was always struck by what that meant for Malcolm. Both Damien and Eobard were after power essentially, but not Merlyn. His altered reality meant Rebecca and Tommy were alive and Thea adored him. He's still Merlyn though - he got revenge on Nyssa Al Ghul by making her life a closeted life in Ohio. Malcolm admitted to Sara however what he was searching for: a clean slate. He wanted all his mistakes, the pain and the death that came with them, jus wiped away. He didn't care if it wasn't real. What Malcolm wanted is redemption without the sacrifice.

So, this redemption arc was kicked off but if you weren't watching Legends then you didn't see it. Except, what does redemption really mean for Malcolm Merlyn? Is it really achievable? Yes, I think redemption is possible for all characters, but the desire has to be there. The willingness to make a sacrifice is what counts. That's why Merlyn's arc on Legends ultimately failed. He wasn't willing to do what is necessary to really make amends.

What is necessary isn't erasing all that he's done. It's facing it. It's making a different choice. Essentially, that's the only difference separating a hero from a villain - choices. It's why it's such a fluid concept. A hero can become the villain as easily as the villain can become the hero. While I doubt I will ever be able to call Malcolm Merlyn a hero, I do believe Arrow is setting him up to make a sacrifice. Which is the essence of heroism and what is required for redemption.

Source: zorro-rita

But first we gots to hash out some issues. Oliver and Merlyn go toe to toe over a lot of things, but first up is William. Oliver is still pretty ticked over Merlyn handing his son over to Damien Darhk. Oliver used his angry voice talking about his son. It felt warm suddenly.

Merlyn's concern is Thea. Malcolm never loved Tommy the way he should have. Tommy was never more important than his revenge. He rejected Tommy in every way. However, Merlyn's arc on Legends finally showed a desire to go back and change that, which we never saw before. Merlyn is prepared to do what is necessary to save his daughter. Even if it means helping his enemy.

And Oliver isn't exactly in a position to refuse his help. I know some may have issues with Oliver teaming up with his enemies like Malcolm Merlyn and Slade Wilson, but I love it. It's incredibly full circle. Oliver has spent years building this family. It's pretty fantastic that to save his family he must work with all the villains who've tried to destroy it over the years.

Oliver and Malcolm have it out giving into Chase's demands. Merlyn is flabbergasted that Chase even needed to take Felicity and Diggle. He felt Thea was sufficient motivation. He's prepared to do whatever is necessary to save his child - a concept Oliver should be more familiar with now that he has William. However, Oliver's concerns run deeper than Chase not holding up his end of the bargain (something Merlyn is an expert it). Once again he worries that his personal connections are making him vulnerable. He has to become something else to protect them and he will never be free of it. Oliver will never be free of the darkness.

And here we go again.

This is an old tune from Oliver Queen. I won't harp on him too much. Chase did manage to take everyone he loves, so I'm not entirely shocked Oliver has a brief moment in which he reverts to form.

Source: dailydcheroes

This might be the single greatest line Merlyn has ever spoken and one of the truest things ever said about Oliver Queen. My precious big dumb oak tree.

Merlyn: Human connections are what keep us human. It is sad that it's a sociopath who is gonna have to point this out to you. You can't live on an island Oliver. You've already tried. You are always going to have people in your life, Oliver. They will always need you. For better or worse. Baggage and all. And if you can't accept that then your past is going to stay your anchor.

Round. Of. Applause.

I hate the bastard, but when he's right he's right. It sounds completely out of character for Merlyn, but does make some sense given his arc on Legends. Merlyn pushed away human connection after Rebecca died and he has FINALLY learned the cost for those sins. If Oliver wants to beat Chase, and Merlyn's goal is to beat Chase in order to save Thea, then both of them have to do things differently - but especially Oliver.

He's tried it the other way before. Oliver tried to go it alone. That "something else" never quite measured up into what was needed until he let people back into his heart. Until he allowed his humanity back in. There will never be a time where Oliver doesn't have people he cares about. He cannot shut off. He cannot isolate himself. He will lose. This much is fact. Nor can he allow the darkness to take the driver's seat. Oliver will lose the part of himself that makes him human - everything Diggle, Felicity, Thea and the team love about him. Then he'll be left alone again. It's a cycle. The only way to break it is to become SOMETHING ELSE. Be different. Embrace his humanity. Hold to those connections. That's how he wins.

And really, nobody knows this better than Malcolm Merlyn because doing the direct opposite is how he lost everything that mattered. Malcolm Merlyn is the one who sent Oliver to the island. So it's fitting that he is finally helping Oliver get off it. All it takes is a different choice and the villain can become a hero.

Even Malcolm Merlyn is rebuilding what he broke, which means... Malcolm Merlyn is going to die. I am absolute on this. They've set it up perfectly, what's more, I believe it needs to happen. Thea is still holding on to the fear that she's a monster - just like her father. What greater gift can Merlyn give Thea than by showing her the monster of her life can choose to do the right thing? Merlyn's death pays the price he's always avoided. It also may be the very thing Thea needs to be free from the past and find hope in herself again.

William

William plays an extremely integral role in "Missing" because, as Oliver explains:

Source: olivergifs

Arrow was never about one thing. It was never just about LL, L*uriver , Olicity or OTA. I think no matter which spectrum of fandom we're on, if we only focus one or two segments of the story then it leaves the potential to miss very important pieces that ultimately feed the segments we care about.

Arrow, at its core, is about family. This story began with a father and a son. We are here because of Robert Queen's sins and because of the love and faith he had in his son. For ten years, Oliver has been struggling with his father's legacy, what his dying wish truly meant and the guilt of Robert's death. Oliver shouldered the weight of Robert's sins while being weighed down by his own.

The next step in Oliver's evolution is to no longer just be the son. He must become the father. The point of the legacy theme is to rebuild what was broken so many years ago. Oliver's mission cannot be only focused on Robert Queen anymore. It has to grow beyond the past and look to the future.

William.

Oliver is right. William is the purest part of him. He retains the innocence Oliver lost all those years ago on the boat. More than anything, Oliver wants his son to keep that innocence. He wants him to be safe and untouched by the darkness both Oliver and Robert have battled. But no matter where William is, he will always be Oliver Queen's son. He will always be Robert Queen's grandson. William will always be part of this family and part of this cycle. If Oliver wants to break it, if he wants to save William from paying for his sins (like Oliver paid for his father's sins), then he has to become someone else.... something else.

Source: olivergifs

This scene is heartbreaking. Stephen Amell makes me feel all the feels.

All Oliver wanted was to keep his boy safe. To make sure William never became like him. Chase took that away. So, now William is the one on the boat. He's trapped in a world he doesn't understand and paying for sins that are not his fault.

Robert tried to stop it. He tried to protect Oliver from his sins. He failed. All Robert could offer Oliver in the end was the chance to survive and to do it better.

This is the another chance to do it differently. To do it better. Maybe the most important chance. Oliver can no longer be mired down in the past.

Source: olivergifs

Adrian Chase is the dark mirror to Oliver. He is what Oliver can become if he never lets the past go. Every step since 5x17 has been Oliver letting go of the pain, guilt, shame and anger. Every moment has prepared Oliver for this battle. For this choice.

Oliver has to hold onto the lessons he's learned, what he knows to be right and allow his humanity to make the calls. Oliver needs William as much as he needs Felicity. As much as he needs Diggle and Thea. This is the love that pushes Oliver past the dark into the light. This is the love that makes Oliver fight for the future. Oliver's love for William makes him a better man and a better hero. A man and hero worthy of Felicity Smoak.

Source: sharingmyworld

It's why Oliver is willing to work with Malcolm Merlyn and Slade Wilson. The past no longer matters. All that matters is his future and he's willing to whatever it takes to protect it. Oliver also knows to win, to truly save his son and everyone he loves, he has to do it differently this time.

Source: olivergifs

I think this flashback actually foreshadows Prometheus' demise. Oliver won't kill him, but I don't think Chase will have the stones to face justice. He'll do what Oliver refused to do. Chase will kill himself.

Bl*ck Sir*n and Quentin Lance

Okaaaay she's back. Truthfully? Pretty minimal scenes. She kidnapped Quentin and Thea. The end.

Although, I do enjoy KC as Bl*ck Sir*n. She plays a good villain. And Paul Blackthorne's reaction to seeing "Laurel" was out of this world. Break me into a thousand pieces sir!

There's certainly an effort to add some layers. BS owes Chase and wants to protect Quentin, so... she kidnaps him?

The promise is Chase won't hurt Lance. Had me a nice chuckle when Lance called her stupid. BS gets to express some "she's not all villain" emotion. BS says it's equally hard on her to see Quentin as it is for Quentin to see her. So... this probably means Quentin is dead on Earth 2. Okie dokie.

Are we headed for a redemption arc? Eh. I don't know. Honestly, the reason Arrow says they brought KC back was because they enjoyed her performance as BS. I know the LL fandom wants Arrow to turn Laurel 2.0 back into Laurel 1.0 but the reason Laurel 1.0 died is because the character ran her course. So, there's no need to retread that old ground. Also, Laurel 2.0 is not Laurel 1.0 so can we just accept reality?

The best thing Arrow has going for them with BS is that she is a villain. This plays to Katie's acting strengths and gives Arrow new ground to explore. I truly don't think they are in any rush to evaporate these positives.

Flashbacks

YAO FEI!!!!! Oh Yao Fei how I missed you. I don't even care that you were a manifestation of Oliver's guilt and urged him to commit suicide. I will take some Yao Fei anyway I can get it.

Imaginary torture. Well, that is one way to go Kovar. I'll give the guy credit. He did have Oliver's number. Emotional pain is far more torturous to Oliver than physical pain. This results in a series of flashbacks to remind us all that the past five years were of the suck for Oliver. Yeah, I didn't really forget that.

I like that Kovar gave Oliver a gun to commit suicide. Oliver killing himself is ultimate defeat and that's what Kovar wants. It's also a very nice callback to Oliver's first few days on the island. This isn't the first time he's considered suicide.

But then Oliver hallucinates Laurel. Well look at that. Flashback Ollie actually remembers Laurel!

Better late than never I guess. They have to connect it with the pilot. Oliver has to give a crap about Laurel again, so Arrow took a break from all the Felicity foreshadowing in the flashbacks. It's fine. We all know where their "love story" goes.

Oliver envisioning Laurel as his hope and salvation, begging him to come home when in reality he gets this when he does come home

basically sums up this hot mess of a television relationship for me.

Those were dark days my friends. Glad they are behind us. Huh. Snark is full on. KC being back might be fun after all.

Stray Thoughts

Lyla has a sister. Huh. Cool. Diggle's reassurance to Oliver (aka US) that Dyla is okay is appreciated.

Kovar nailed the Catholic belief on Purgatory. Wave to me from heaven y'all because that's where I'll be for awhile.

Oliver's attractiveness in his attractive brown leather jacket is very important to me.

Only Josh Segarra can look threatening in that color of yellow.

Quentin Lance trying to process how messed up it is that LL has a doppelganger is so me.

Malcolm hand jokes never get old.

"Not yet but soon." Josh Segarra added another level to the Chase creepy factor - this sounded exactly like John Doe from Seven Deadly Sins. I still have nightmares about that movie.

Source: kendrasaunders

I've missed this goddess.

Call back to Legends of Tomorrow! Ra's told Nyssa where to find Sara because Sara told Ra's to tell Nyssa where to find her. Let that little time loop simmer on ya for a minute. Although, I'm confused. I thought in S2 Nyssa found Sara in a market place starving. I need a Sara Lance/Nyssa Al Ghul flashback episode like yesterday.

Source: sharingmyworld

They all arrived by plane. Interesting. Methinks that Chase is planning on eliminating those means on escape. Perhaps, he expects to leave with Oliver after he destroys everything that matters? I also thought it was a little hint to Oliver of where his loved ones were. Things that make you go hmmmm.

"I'll cover you. Really." CLASSIC

I feel like Curtis should never go anywhere without backup. That should be a team rule.

"I thought you would have tagged your pets by now." Malcolm never stops being a supreme dick. It's one of the few things I enjoy about him.

Didn't you love all the preview clips promoting Bl*ck Si*n's return?

Maybe because there were only two scenes they couldn’t release any clips. Hehehe. I jest.

Disclaimer: Any gifs on the blog are not mine. If you would like a gif removed from my reviews, please message me. 5x22 episode gifs credited.

#arrow #olicity #arrow 5x22 #original team arrow #arrow reviews #arrow spoilers #malcolm merlyn #anti black siren #anti laurel lance #anti lauriver #arrow season 5 #season 5 episode review

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setnet · 7 years ago

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WIP meme

List all the things you’re currently working on in as much or little detail as you’d like, then tag some friends to see what they’re working on: writing, art, gifsets, whatever.

Tagged by @silentstep (thank you!) and done as a form of procrastination: I am moving to the UK in two days time and desperately avoiding packing for it. I have divided into fandom and original.

Fandom:

The Fullmetal Alchemist histories project. This is a look at the historiography of Amestris, covering both the events of the manga and subsequent developments, currently at ~18,300 words, but utterly lacking in structure or framing story.

The first photograph: 1906. Father and the man I knew growing up as Uncle Roy. They have recently graduated from Central Military Academy. Their uniforms are crisp and neat and they stand in front of a curtain rendered in greyish sepia. The men in the photograph—boys, really, for they are younger than I am, writing this—have been told to hold still. Roy has managed it, and looks stuffy and self-important in the way that only twenty-year old boys can. Father’s smile is more natural, but there’s a blur around the edges that suggests he’s about to burst into laughter.

It has been five years since Colonel Bloch shot a six-year-old Ishvalan child and the east descended into civil war. Two months after this photograph is taken, both men will be sitting in troop trains on their way to the inferno of north-eastern Ishval.

Elysia Hughes, My Father’s War and other essays, Central City, 1949.

The X-Men: Days of Future Past fix-it. For given values of ‘fix-it’. This one is mostly abandoned, but it arose from my utter loathing of the Reset Button in general and the one in DOFP in particular. If you don’t remember something, you can’t learn from it.

“Logan,” the Professor says, “I recall from what you told me of your recent adventures it was a mutant who sent you back to warn us all; but I don’t believe you mentioned who it was?”

“Didn’t I?” Logan says. “Looks like you figured it out, though.” He nods to Kitty. It takes her a moment to recognise the expression on his face, because it’s not one he generally directs at her. It's the way he looks at the professor, or at Storm. Respect, she thinks, and shivers.

“Indeed,” the Professor says. “And it does give me some hope that the holes in your memory of this timeline might fill, given time. It would seem Miss Pryde is beginning to recall events from the timeline that you altered.”

Logan winces. “Shit,” he says. “That can’t be fun.”

Original:

River Roads. River gods, boating disasters, and colonialism. This is in partial rewrites, because it threw a cog somewhere in the back half of chapter 2 that’s causing problems further down the track.

In the spring of my fifteenth year a man walked out of the river.

I had been stripping flax with a mussel shell, sitting on the rocks by the watersmeet, the point in the river mouth where the salt water mingles with the sweet. The tide had ebbed to its lowest when his head crested the water.

His hair was bound in a knot on top of his head, and he had skin like polished wood, carved in spiralling patterns of lizards and birds stylised into gargoyles, their eyes and claws glinting with inlaid paua and mother-of-pearl. When he was waist-deep in the water, the man slid his hands under the surface of the water and pulled it free to wrap around himself as a cloak that shifted in the light, now brown water, now blue sky, now grey as spring mists.

His long legs moved like a heron's, each joint independently of the next, his feet planted surely on the rocky riverbed. As he walked the carvings on his skin became the familiar patterns of tattoos, inked in the old style with a chisel rather than a needle, so that they carved deep lines in his face, his shoulders and arms. The inlaid shells were drops of water, trickling down his body and dripping from his fingers.

I crouched low among the rocks and hoped he would not notice me.

Ash Winter in Salt Flats. Post-post-apocalypse, with strange cults, water lords and abominations from the depths of the sea. This may be that rarest of things, a short story that remains a short story -- which means I may finish it some time soon.

I had cause to reflect, in subsequent days, that I could have left the fleet at any harbour on the coast. Port Rogers has hot springs. Landfall has trees. Even at the Isthmus you can get fresh water without going into debt with the biggest asshole this side of the divide. Whereas Salt Flats is the dank mouth of a piss-trickle river, choked with dirty ice and murky with ash and rust. In Salt Flats it rains approximately twice a year, and the groundwater is saltier than the sea. In Salt Flats, if you want water, you gotta go the water seller, and there’s only one of those in town.

Seldom. Parasite universes, anarchists, assassinations, journalism, religion, magic, unconventional families, love, loyalty and duty, and the outbreak of global warfare at just the wrong time... This started life as a NaNo project and has since spawned several subplots, two extra pov characters, and at least one sequel. Possibly also a prequel. It is a mess.

Rebekah turned to leave, but her cousin’s voice called her back. "Rebekah," March said, "The story you're chasing could be upsetting to a lot of powerful people. If you need help, I hope you'll come to me."

"Why should I?" Rebekah said bitterly. "You don't do anything unless there's something in it for you."

March smiled briefly. “But there are worse people you could owe favours to."

"That's sweet."

"What can I say? Family is important to me." There was a sardonic twist in his voice, and for the first time it made Rebekah shiver. It was an open secret that March’s daddy Arnon had walked through his front door alive and well three years past and never walked out again. Sahul March had never been above the judicious pruning of his family tree.

"I'll keep it in mind," Rebekah said.

Tagging... um. @failingphysics, @wiwaxia, @flashinglites, @grassangel, @tansy-91, anyone who writes or draws and feels like doing this!

#setnet writes

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hoodiesandcomputers · 8 years ago

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Shared My Body and My Mind With You (That’s All Over Now): Chapter 6

Six months ago Felicity did the unthinkable and paid to have sex with the one and only Oliver. Despite being worlds apart they’ve become close friends, but what happens as feelings change, a rival comes into the picture, and a friendship suddenly starts to break? An offshoot of a prostitute/client AU, which comes from my one-shot “Taste of Your Poison Paradise.”

A/N: Hey guys! I MUST apologize for the major delay. I was pretty sick for almost a month, and I decided to rewrite more than half (5/6 to be exact) of the chapter. Thank you all for your patience and I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Many thanks to @awriterincowboyboots for being an amazing editor and polishing my final work. And of course, this chapter wouldn't be what it is without @the-mimi-hiddleston for cheerleading me on on any given day, and for @curvy-tam for being an amazing beta! You guys rock. <3

Read at FF // Ao3 // Ch 1 // Ch 2 // Ch 3 // Ch 4 // Ch 5

For the second time this week, Oliver storms into Verdant and heads straight towards Isabel, not caring about the threats she made three days earlier. He's been on edge ever since Roy's overdose and Isabel's insensitivity is pushing him past the point of return.

After getting the call from the hospital (and once Oliver managed to gather his wits), he raced straight to the hospital and waited with bated breath until doctors would finally allow him to see Roy. Seeing the younger man so small and pale, hooked on a number of machines brought a torrent of memories Oliver wished to forget. Oliver had wanted to run away from there as fast as he could – he couldn't stand to see Roy in such a state, he couldn't bear to see strong people become so frail – but Oliver knew Roy needed him. So Oliver stayed by his side the entire night, reminding Roy he's always there for him no matter what.

Despite surviving the overdose, the hospital wanted him to stay for the next couple of days to monitor him and do a psych evaluation. Knowing Roy needed him, Oliver cancelled his appointments and rescheduled the next few days at Jitters despite Roy's protests. He also tried to take care of Roy's clients and reassign them to other escorts, but once Isabel got a sniff of it all hell broke loose.

She wouldn't stop calling Roy, and once Oliver told her about his condition, she actually laughed and asked Oliver if he thought that was a good excuse. Isabel continued to cement herself as the worst person on earth by ordering Oliver to get Roy out of the hospital and make up for lost time, and more importantly, lost money. Despite Oliver telling her Roy was in no condition to work and the hospital wouldn't let him go, she wouldn't take no as an answer and demanded Roy get back to work. If Oliver didn't hate her before, he definitely does now.

So here he is, ready to go toe to toe with her again, and hoping she doesn't murder him with her stilettos. Roy's wellbeing is important to Oliver but having Isabel breathe down both their necks isn't making matters any better.

When Isabel sees Oliver approaching, she rolls her eyes and clicks her tongue. "What did I say about interrupting me at the club?"

Curling his hand into a tight fist, Oliver grits out, "I don't care."

"Who pissed in your cereal this morning?" Isabel sizes him up. "If this is about Roy –"

"It is."

"My word is final, Thomas." Clicking her tongue once again, Isabel sings, "You should know that by now."

That's it – he's had enough. Picking up an empty glass, Oliver angrily throws it across the room and jabs a finger at Isabel. His hand shakes after his reaction but he briefly noticed Isabel barely flinched at his outburst.

"Goddamn it Isabel, Roy overdosed and all you're worried about is how much money you're losing? He only makes $500 an hour. That's nothing!"

Isabel scoffs in disbelief and her eyes burn with anger. "Of course $500 is nothing . . . to Oliver Queen."

She knows.

Time suddenly stops – he's only aware of his throat tightening up, as if a snake is slowly wrapping its scaly skin around his neck, and every other sensory feeling becomes heightened all at once. He's keenly aware of physically taking a step back and how his legs have begun to wobble, but his mind is unable to comprehend Isabel knows who he really is.

Oliver had suspected for a while, but he chalked it up to his own paranoia and chose to ignore it. But considering how calmly Isabel is glaring at him, he wonders if she knew who he was the moment he bumped into her.

He's aware he's numb and going through shock, but does his best to control his emotions in front of Isabel. Swallowing thickly, Oliver attempts to not let Isabel's haughty expression continue to catch him off guard.

Smirking, Isabel relaxes on the couch as if she has no care in the world. "Or should I say was considering you lost all your money. I suppose after working for me for six years – or is it seven? – you're finally able to get somewhat close to what was in your trust fund."

Oliver can feel all the blood drain from his face, and he knows Isabel sees it to when she looks up at him and laughs softly. "But I'll admit, I prefer Thomas Jones since he helps me buy the latest Louboutin and occasional Charlotte Olympia whenever I want."

The weight of Isabel's words hit him like a ton of bricks, and his mind races to find a way to spin this conversation. Speechless and unable to ignore Isabel's threat, Oliver merely raises his chin just a bit to show Isabel she hasn't affected him as much as she thinks. Isabel simply smirks and raises an eyebrow, her arrogance tearing holes into Oliver's damaged soul.

Taking a deep breath, Oliver assesses the situation as best as he can: Isabel clearly knows who he really is, she definitely plans on using it as blackmail, and thus, Oliver's indebted to her for the foreseeable future.

Sighing, Isabel closes the books in front of her and crosses her slim legs, eyeing Oliver up and down as if in preparation to devour him. "I warned you not to cross me. You may be Emerald's best escort, but that doesn't mean you run the show." Taking a sip of water, Isabel's eyes narrow and she adds, "I won't hesitate to leak this information out to the press if you bother me again."

Realizing her threat could very well become a real one, Oliver attempts to downplay it in hopes of throwing her off. "Oliver Queen's been irrelevant since 2009. You think people would care?"

"I know your sister will."

For the second time since he got here he's thrown off balance by Isabel's words, and at this point he feels utterly helpless. She was always a step ahead of him the moment he signed on to become an escort, wasn't she? A sinking feeling of resignation hits him and Oliver almost breaks down in front of Isabel. He's an idiot for thinking he could go face to face with Isabel.

Yet something stops him from doing so – this past week has been a tumultuous rollercoaster, and his emotions have been all over the place. And typically, when Oliver feels trapped he stays in a corner he feels comfortable in, letting years pass by without moving a single inch.

Today is different. Oliver may be a lot of things, one of which may be a failure, but he will do whatever it takes to keep those he loves safe. Isabel may consider this a weakness – not too long ago Oliver would've thought the same – but times have changed. And with people counting on Oliver to make things right for them, he promises to make a difference one step at a time.

~/~

Felicity's apartment is in disarray – clothes are scattered everywhere, half of her kitchen supplies are sprawled out on the floor, and items she thought were permanently lost are reappearing left and right.

There's a reason why Felicity detests moving.

"I'm trying to find a way to make this move a little more organized for you, but I'm running out of ideas." Caitlin worriedly glances around her apartment and sighs. "I'm getting anxious just looking at this."

Felicity snorts. "Join the club."

"Maybe you should've worked one room at a time instead of dumping everything out at once?"

Sighing, Felicity simply puts her hands on her waist and pouts, because Caitlin is right and she doesn't know how to get herself out of this.

After her fight with Oliver (and crying for much of the night), Felicity called Ray the next morning and said she wanted to work at Palmer Tech. Ray was obviously excited, and once they finished their phone conversation, Felicity finally walked right out of her toxic office without a care in the world. Of course, her fight with Oliver and not having an idea what the future held made Felicity anxious, but she was ready to take a leap forward and put the past behind her. Caitlin was naturally supportive, albeit sad Felicity was leaving, but she wanted the best for her.

In a mad rush to start over her life, Felicity began to throw everything out of closets, drawers, and cabinets – anything really. After spending three days gingerly walking around her apartment and not being able to see the floor, Felicity realizes how big of a mistake that was. She debates putting everything back to where it was and pack the right way, but the task is undeniably daunting.

Sighing once more, Felicity collapses on the couch, or what remains of it. "Maybe I shouldn't be so –"

A loud knock interrupts her, and she glances at Caitlin if she would know why someone is at the door. For a brief moment Felicity's heart leaps and she wonders if it's Oliver, but then she's reminded of their last encounter and doesn't want his presence to ruin her moving out weekend.

"Who is it?" Caitlin whispers.

Felicity considers ignoring it until there's another knock, softer this time. Curious, Felicity goes up to the door and peeks through the eyehole, only to find Oliver standing on the other side of the door.

What is he doing here? After their disastrous fight on Wednesday Felicity had, albeit childishly, intended to leave Oliver behind and never look back. She didn't think he would drop by anytime soon, and his presence here is throwing everything out of balance.

She regrets how things spiraled out of control on Wednesday, but their argument had seemed inevitable. They had been distant for awhile, with Felicity being busy with work and having to reschedule her hangouts with Oliver. Coupled with Oliver's weird moods, she didn't feel like being near him and having to decipher his feelings all the time. In hindsight, Felicity knows she should've been a little more collected, but there's no going back. Things have changed between them for better or worse.

A small voice in the back of her mind wants her to let him in because there's a possibility Oliver's here to apologize. But Felicity's rational and angry side doesn't want to – she wants him to sweat it out and she feels inviting him in will only complicate her feelings about them.

Unfortunately, Caitlin's here and the longer Felicity doesn't open the door, the more suspicious she'll get. Gathering as much courage as she can, Felicity slowly opens the door and comes face to face with Oliver.

Felicity's stomach drops the moment he raises his head and soulfully looks at her – his eyes are puffy and bruised from lack of sleep, and all the color from his face has vanished. His clothes appear to be a few days old and he clearly hasn't shaved for a couple of days. Even though she promised herself not to get attached all over again, the sight is worrying her and she wonders if their argument might have been too difficult for him.

"Hey." His voice cracks and he clears his throat to cover up how tired he seems. Shoving his hands inside his pant pockets, he glances down at the floor and shifts his feet. "Do you mind if I come in?"

She's about to decline and ask him why he even thought it would be a good idea to come back here, but suddenly she hears Caitlin rummaging around and appear by her side. Before Felicity can say anything Caitlin offers, "I should leave."

"Caitlin, you don't have –"

But she's already got her purse draped over and smiles softly while giving Felicity a knowing look. Pushing the door wide open, Caitlin comes face to face with Oliver and stops in her tracks. There's no doubt Caitlin's wondering why this hunk of a man is standing by Felicity's door, but she masks her curiosity and instead puts a comforting hand on Felicity's shoulder. "I'll see you later."

A little scared she has no backup, Felicity wordlessly lets Caitlin leave and tries not to overthink the situation. Now that she and Oliver are alone she has no excuse to brush him aside. In the back of her mind Felicity knows if she tells Oliver to leave her alone he'll honor her wishes, but for some reason Felicity can't go to Star City without getting closure.

"Come in, I guess."

Oliver whispers a soft "Thank you" and gingerly steps into the apartment. His eyes widen at the sight of clothes, kitchen appliances and other items littered all around him, but she thinks nothing of it.

Needing some space, Felicity steps away from him and stands by the couch, unable to look Oliver in the eye. She's not sure if she should immediately tell Oliver she plans on moving or wait for Oliver to apologize first.

"What's . . . all this?" Gesturing at the floor, Oliver shoves his hands in his pocket and nervously stands by the door.

The awkwardness of this situation is making Felicity inexplicably sad – things were going so well and nothing was supposed to break them apart. Seeing how Oliver can't feel like he's at home almost causes her want to call Ray, quit her job at Star City, and stay in Chicago for as long as she can. Yet she knows she won't do that, because Felicity loves herself enough to do what's best for her. And moving to Star City is the right way to start.

Taking a deep breath, Felicity readies herself for the big reveal. Her decision to move is final, but after telling Oliver it'll become permanent – there won't be any going back.

"Oliver, I – I'm taking Ray's offer and moving to Star City."

"Oh. Wow."

Felicity detects a hint of shock on Oliver's face, but he quickly covers it up with a neutral expression. A flash of irritation hits her – he clearly hasn't learned how to be happy for her since Wednesday. What's the point of him coming here if he won't fix his attitude towards her?

"You don't sound too excited."

"No, Felicity, I am." His eyes soften under her steely gaze, and it takes every ounce of strength for Felicity to not jump in his arms. She wants to forgive him, but she's still so angry about he said.

"I . . . want you to have everything." Sighing, Oliver runs his hand through his hair then shakes his head. "I just don't want you to feel like you have to leave because of . . . me."

She'll admit, her decision to move so fast was partly due to their fight on Wednesday, but regardless, Hartley's promotion guaranteed Felicity would be leaving Kord Industries sooner rather than later. There was no way Felicity would stay at Kord for another minute, especially since Ray had been vetting her for so long. Ultimately, her decision to leave was for Felicity Meghan Smoak only and no one else.

Felicity glances at the ground before peering at Oliver. "You know, not everything I do is a reaction to you."

"I'm not expecting it to be."

It's quiet for a moment and Felicity has to physically stop herself from rambling out of nervousness. It's so weird to see how far apart they are after one fight, and it's tearing Felicity up from the inside. Three days ago they were such close friends and now . . . now they're strangers.

Stepping forward, Oliver smiles gently and asks, "So you're really moving?"

"Yeah." Her heart is heavy but she has to do what's best for her. "I think it's time I leave."

Oliver's clearly taken aback by her decision, but he covers it up asking, "When?"

"On Wednesday I'm flying out to Star City to meet board members and chief officers, look at apartments, and then I'm . . . gone."

Technically Felicity has three more months on the lease, but Caitlin's helping her find someone to sublet. So far there's one person who's willing to move in ont short notice, but if that doesn't work out, Felicity will have to pay rent for two places once she moves to Star City. She's tempted to ask Oliver if he knows anyone who might want to sublet, but it feels weird asking him for a favor when things between are still on edge.

"Isn't that a little fast?"

She can tell Oliver didn't mean to let that slip, because he purses his lips and looks down at the floor in embarrassment. "I quit Kord without a two week's notice and Ray wants me on board ASAP. I have to move fast."

Upon the mention of Ray, Oliver's jaw clenches and any trace of acceptance is wiped away in an instant. Felicity almost groans out loud – what is up with him and Ray? After finding out Ray doesn't personally know an Oliver, Felicity has to wonder what's really bothering Oliver about him. It seems so long ago, but the first time Felicity mentioned Ray was before they started hanging out, so Oliver's hostility toward Ray doesn't necessarily stem from Felicity's quasi-date with Ray. It has to be something else, but given Oliver's inability to be honest with her, she has no idea what it is.

"Right." Oliver's back to being closed off and moody all over again, and Felicity's patience begins to wear thin.

"Oliver, if you're not going to apologize, maybe you can tell me why every time I mention Ray you get . . . angry face." Felicity sees Oliver's brow furrow in confusion, but underneath it call she suspects he knows exactly what she's referring to. "It's driving me nuts."

He doesn't say a word – he simply gapes at her as tries to make up a believable excuse.

"Do you know him?" Felicity steps forward and looks at Oliver square in the eye. She's sick of him skirting around the truth.

"No."

He says it with such conviction that Felicity almost believes him, but she knows better.

"You don't act like it."

"I . . . don't know him."

Taking a deep breath, Felicity has to calm herself down before she snaps. "I might not know everything about you, but I can tell when you're lying."

"Felicity I – I am honest with you." Oliver shrugs and asks, "Why are you convinced I'm lying?"

"Really? Then what's your last name?"

She's a little surprised that was the first thing that came to mind, but it bothers her she doesn't know something as simple as his last name. After being unable to tell Ray Oliver's last name, she couldn't stop thinking about it. It was yet another thing Felicity didn't know about Oliver and it upset her. How could they be such good friends if she didn't know such a small detail about him?

He's obviously taken aback by her question – his eye wander around the apartment and he avoids looking at Felicity. She can tell he's stalling and it infuriates her, because this most likely means he's going to lie to her. Again.

After a couple of seconds Oliver says, "Jones."

It's tense for a minute as Felicity sizes Oliver up, shaking her head as she does so. "So you're telling me you use your legal last name as your escort last name?"

Oliver's face pales once he realizes she's got him trapped in a corner. "Y . . . yes."

Rolling her eyes, Felicity sighs exasperatedly and tries to keep track of his lies. "Why would you purposely chose your legal last name as your escort one, when the whole point of having an alias is so no one can figure out the real you?"

"I – it was easier."

"It was easier to not make up a last name," she clarifies.

"Yeah." Straightening his back, Oliver juts his chin forward and attempts to convey through body language that he's confident in his answers.

But Felicity's had enough. He keeps saying he wants what's best for Felicity, yet what's best for her sanity – and their friendship – is for Oliver to be honest. Getting him to admit the truth is like pulling teeth, and Felicity's too smart for her own good to let this go. She has a gut feeling something's not right, and this is a mystery that needs to be solved, even if it means hurting their fragile friendship.

Taking a deep breath and genuinely worried about what this question will bring, Felicity quietly asks, "Is Oliver your real name or is it Thomas?"

"Yes, Oliver is my real name!" Oliver's eyes burn with intensity. "Why are you convinced I'm someone else?"

"I don't know, because I hardly know a thing about you!" She hears Oliver scoff but she pushes through. "I've been nice enough to ignore it for the past few months, let alone not hack into databases and find out exactly who you are, but now . . . I honestly don't know anything about you."

Rolling his eyes, Oliver crosses his arms and clenches his jaw. "Thanks for respecting my privacy." Upon realizing how harsh that sounded, Oliver swallows thickly and adds, "But Felicity, you do know –"

"I really don't."

She's absolutely desperate at this point. A bout of anxiousness hits Felicity, and she wants to do a combination of screaming out in the void, pacing incessantly, or drowning herself in wine. God, Felicity wants to tell and ask Oliver so many things: why he hates Ray, why he says he's being supportive but not really, why their friendship is surface-level and a multitude of other things. Instead, the only thing she's able to articulate is that she wants to know what Oliver's real name is. She has so much to say to him but it's getting buried underneath accusations. This isn't how she planned for this to be.

"You've never asked."

Focusing back on their argument at hand, Felicity grudgingly realizes he's right. Not once did she ask questions about his personal life, but in her defense, she thought she was respecting his privacy and hoped he would open up to her in time. Instead, Oliver took it as an opportunity to keep Felicity at arm's length, and now that she's bringing up these questions, he's doing everything he can to prevent her from learning more.

Accepting his challenge, Felicity asks, "Okay. So where are you from?"

For the second time this afternoon he's taken aback, and his reaction shows Felicity he's still not forthcoming of his past. "Like . . . where I was born?"

"What else would I be asking?" She's dumbfounded by his answer and her attitude is out in full force.

His eyes flicker about and she spots him rubbing his index finger and thumb together, a nervous tick Felicity's noticed about him. "I don't know, something –"

"You're avoiding the question."

"No, I'm not."

She's tempted to say something sarcastic, but her irritation and desire to know more outweighs her need to be rude.

"Then where. Were. You. Born?"

Without missing a beat Oliver calmly says, "Central City."

But she knows better – his eyes briefly wandered and he continued to rub his fingers together as he lied through his teeth. And this knowledge makes Felicity powerless to stop herself from exploding.

"Goddamn it Oliver, you're lying!"

Her eyes begin to prick with unshed tears of frustration – how hard can it be to tell the truth? Her mind spins with endless possibilities, and Felicity's convinced herself Oliver might even be a hit man out to get her. Oliver's refusal to tell her the truth is only making things worse, except she's no better by egging him on. But Felicity has always searched for the truth no matter how ugly the consequences might be, and she's not going to let this go anymore simply because Oliver's involved. Perhaps a couple of days ago Felicity might've felt she could leave Chicago without solving the Oliver-but-not-really-Jones puzzle, but she can't shake this off.

Oliver clenches his jaw and brings a hand up to his temple, no doubt as frustrated as she is. "What –"

"I can tell you are when you start looking everywhere else but me, and you won't stop rubbing your stupid fingers together!"

He seems genuinely surprised and slightly proud of Felicity for knowing such a minute detail. But he quickly masks his reaction because they're in the middle of a fight and they're both too stubborn to yield.

"Why is it such a big deal if you know where I'm from or what my last name is? And honestly, I don't know anything about you either!" he exclaims, throwing his hands in the air as he does so.

He's an expert deflector, Felicity snidely thinks.

Scoffing, she begins to pace in whatever space she has left in her living room. "That's rich."

"I'm serious – I don't know anything."

A bubble of angry laughter comes forth – she's opened up to him more than she has to anyone else. He knows the most intimate parts of her yet he has the audacity to say otherwise. The absurdness of his comment almost makes her want to leave her own apartment in rage, but she soldiers on despite how frustrated she is.

Bringing up a hand, Felicity starts counting all the ways Oliver knows her, making sure to put emphasis on every single item. "Let's see, you know where I work, you've heard about my friends, you know I went to MIT, and you know I grew up in Las Vegas with a single parent. Oh, and you've seen me naked."

A tiny flush creeps up on Oliver's face – whether it's from being proven wrong or recalling their dalliance, she doesn't care. Oliver's comment brings forth a flurry of emotions and she's powerless to stop herself.

"What else do you want to know?"

"I –"

"Do you want to know my dad was – is – a cyber terrorist and still on the FBI's Most Wanted list?"

Her voice shakes and she steadies herself as she's assaulted by images of the police coming to her door on a cold, windy night, her mother crying, and eventually realizing her father abandoned her. The resentment Felicity feels towards her father haunts her to this day, and ever since his abandonment she's had a difficult time forming any meaningful relationship. But here she is, throwing every bit of companionship she has at Oliver and he won't take it.

Another flash of anger hits Felicity, and she can't stop herself from spilling another deep secret buried in the back of her mind. Fine – Oliver wants to know everything about her? She'll give it to him.

"Or better yet, do you want to know my boyfriend in college was arrested for hacking into the Department of Education and killed himself in prison?"

Her eyes well up in tears at the memory – she buried it deep and hoped to never open that door again, but these are unusual circumstances. Felicity had forgotten how much it hurt to hear when Cooper – her first love – died. Coupled with her father's abandonment and Cooper's untimely death, Felicity's had a difficult time forming meaningful relationships, always afraid something would happen to them. Despite all of her anxieties, Felicity took the plunge and opened up to Oliver more than she had to anyone since Cooper.

And he basically spat it right back at her.

Regaining control of her emotions, she looks at Oliver square in the eye and grits through her teeth, "I've opened up to you – literally as in you've seen my bare ass – and all I get in return is someone who can't even tell me where they were born."

There's a moment where Oliver looks like he might just admit to everything, but his pride and desire to keep Felicity in the dark seems to convince him otherwise. Internally groaning at the new development, Felicity can only imagine what he's going to say next and wonders how this meeting spiraled out of control.

"It's not like you've introduced me to your friends before."

That was certainly not expected.

Once again he's avoiding telling Felicity the truth, but she's so exhausted dancing around the truth that she decides to indulge him. "What do my friends have to do with this? And anyway, why would I introduce them to you?"

Most of Felicity's friends are from work, and even then it's not a large group to begin with. She's always busy – she doesn't have time to throw parties and go on long dinners during the weekends with anyone. And all of her friends are geekier than she is. Felicity doubts Oliver would actually enjoy their company, let alone understand what they're saying 90 percent of the time. It would be a lose-lose situation for both of them, so his counter argument is not valid.

"I don't know," he admitted. "But I bet the reason you haven't is because you probably don't want to admit you have a prostitute as a friend."

Caught off guard, Felicity's left speechless and doesn't know how to respond. Oliver keeps his face expressionless, but he's rubbing his fingers once more, and she can tell it really does bother him Felicity hasn't introduced him to her friends. But the way he says prostitute . . . it's as if he's gathering every single bit of venom he has festering inside him and spitting it out with that word.

Felicity had her suspicions – she wondered whether Oliver really did enjoy being a prostitute, since he practically did everything he could to avoid talking about it. Yet, he continuously mentioned about how he had an easy schedule and made more money in an hour than people did in a month. Regardless, it was entirely possible Oliver didn't enjoy being an escort any more than Felicity enjoyed playing second-class citizen at Kord, and she should've picked up on it.

Still, she's a little hurt Oliver feels she's that intolerant towards him and others for being escorts. It's a lifestyle he chose and one he's worked hard at. She's in no position to judge him because Felicity's done her fair share of questionable things, too. And besides, they're not in a physical, romantic relationship – who he sleeps with, whether he's paid for it or not, is none of her concern.

"That's not true," she protests.

"It's not?" Now it's his turn to scoff, and he does so with a generous amount of disdain. "Then why haven't I met them?"

Felicity feels herself getting defensive now, although she feels she has no reason to be.

"Because. I didn't think I had to."

It's quiet for a minute as Oliver examines her, but as seconds pass she feels herself flushing under his gaze. It's stupid – Felicity shouldn't be feeling guilty for not introducing Oliver to her friends, yet . . . Glancing up at Oliver, his eyes narrow in contemplation and she spots the exact moment he's done playing nice.

Frack.

"So I was right – you are ashamed of me."

His voice wavers and he glances down at the ground, causing Felicity's heart to break into a thousand pieces. God, she never meant to make him feel less of a person because of his job. She just – what they had was between them only, and she didn't want anyone else privy to their relationship. She looked forward to every Sunday and Wednesday night with him – Oliver has to know how much those hangouts meant to her. The moment reality touched their bubble is when it would come crashing down, and she didn't want their perfect circle ruined.

In the back of her mind she knows Oliver and their friendship would never be accepted in the real world. If word got out that Felicity was best friends with a prostitute, a friend she had once paid to have sex with . . . her career would be over. And all this time, Felicity unconsciously chose to keep their friendship a secret because it didn't benefit her to make it public. Felicity never thought how her selfishness actually made things worse between them, but it really did and the guilt is beginning to take over her.

"No, I'm not –"

"Then why haven't you introduced me yet?" he fumes. "What about the girl who was just here? Why didn't you say anything then?"

An intense feeling of guilt washes over Felicity, and she's powerless to stop herself wallowing in self-hatred. She could chalk up to not introducing Oliver to Caitlin by being so frazzled by the move and her fight with Oliver that she forgot to do so, but it wouldn't be the truth. And she shouldn't skirt around the truth when she's asking Oliver to do the opposite. It would make her hypocritical.

"Fine." Swallowing thickly, Felicity then takes a deep breath to calm her nerves, and admit to herself how much of a wretched person she is. After collecting herself, she looks at Oliver square in the eye and confesses, "I haven't told anyone about you because I'm not sure how to tell them you're a friend I paid to have sex with."

There's a sense of disappointment in his eyes, and Felicity's feels absolutely disgusted with herself. He's right – she is ashamed of being associated with Oliver. She's more worried about what her colleagues think and how their judgments will damage their friendship, instead of realizing that keeping a distance between Oliver and her professional life hurt Oliver. Although Felicity doesn't judge Oliver for being a prostitute, her friends might not be so welcoming, and she doesn't want their judgments to put a cloud over their friendship.

Her selfishness got in the way of something better, and she'll never be able to forgive herself for it.

The air is nothing short of stifling hot, and it gets harder and harder for Felicity to breathe. For a moment there's an out of body experience for her – she knows she's panicking and on the verge of something, but the sane part of her mind is screaming at her to keep a tight lid on her emotions until it's time to let go. She's at war with herself and the cowardly part of her wishes all of this could be easily resolved.

Oliver's silent as he digests her confession, but she spots how his shoulders have contracted and his jaw won't stop clenching. There's no doubt he's angry and wounded by her words, but his eyes are so melancholy that it pains Felicity to even look at him.

"Just admit it, Felicity. I promise it won't hurt."

God, his voice is so broken and small. Amidst all the accusations and fighting, he's desperately trying to keep it all together, and Felicity wants nothing but to give him a hug.

Without thinking, Felicity steps forward and reaches out for Oliver, but he steps back instead. The action causes her chest to pinch painfully in rejection, and she tries to swallow the feeling away but with no avail.

"I – I just know you won't be accepted, and I didn't want that to hurt you." Oliver shakes his head as he glances away, and Felicity's positive there's nothing she can say to make this better. "And I'm so sorry for not introducing you to my friends and keeping our friendship in a bubble, but please – please – know I'm not ashamed of you being an escort."

He presses his fingers against his temple and takes a deep breath. "Maybe you should get more tolerant friends, that way you won't have to hide me like a dirty secret."

"You're not a dirty secret," she pleads vehemently. "And you're right, I need more tolerant friends, but you're also being unreasonable. I'm not going to dump everyone I know for one person."

"One person – "

"And Oliver you – you're so secretive and reclusive." Throwing her hands in the air, Felicity shakes her head and tries to find a way to say this without completely alienating Oliver. "How are you going to carry on a conversation with my friends when you've made no effort to get to know me besides the basics?"

He laughs humorlessly and he begins to pace, no doubt agitated their argument has lasted this long. "Now look who's lying."

"But you know I'm right!" There's a hint of desperation in her voice and she can no longer hide it from Oliver. This is it – she's so close to exploding. She can feel it shaking in her bones, and there's nothing she can do to stop it.

"All you want to do is talk about my work – we never talk about yours – watch movies, cook food and that's it!"

"Why the fuck do you want to know every detail about me?" Oliver roars. This is the first time he's ever raised his voice in front of her, and he immediately looks guilty for doing so. Yet instead of backing down, it spurs Felicity on, and now she knows there's no going back.

"Because I care . . . about you!"

Her breath catches in her throat, and she doesn't miss the way Oliver's expression changes from anger to shock in a second. Maybe Felicity's in love with Oliver or perhaps not, but she cares about him more than anyone else. His secrets and lies hurt her in more ways than one – she expected him to be the last person on earth to treat her like a stranger. He needs to know how frustrated she is, and this is her chance to let him know once and for all.

"I would let this go if your humongous secret didn't actually impact me, but it does! How can you not see that?" Felicity cries. "It's hurting our fri–friendship and you keep making it worse by not saying anything! And I need to know why it's so hard for you to be happy for me – not just saying it, but acting like you really are – and what your last name is, and why you hate Ray because it's all tied together! Every question I ever had would be answered and this could be all over if you told me the truth!"

~/~

When Oliver decided to drop by Felicity's apartment and apologize, he was not prepared for Felicity telling him she's leaving Star City for good and another argument.

But he should've known better.

Ever since Oliver moved to Chicago, he's been actively pushing the past behind him. He threw himself into his (illegal) work, made sure Thea never came to Chicago and continued to believe Oliver was a consultant working odd jobs, and did his best to forget how pathetic his life had become. He was fortunate enough to not be treated as horribly as the other escorts, but his line of work made it difficult to have any sort of social life. And besides, one look at Oliver pre-beard and people would've figured him out.

So he crafted an impenetrable wall surrounded by darkness, and never let anyone come near him no matter how hard they tried.

Then he met Felicity and . . . She was kind, welcoming, charming, funny, and eventually became the only person who could put a smile on his face. And he did the one thing he vowed to never do: let someone into his carefully constructed fantasy.

He told her his actual name, invited her to his home and had his first real friendship since leaving Star City. It was perfect – they had a routine and it made things much less complicated for him. With Felicity he could be an escort and Oliver. He trusted her because they met each other at their most shameful – and perhaps enjoyable – moment, and it was an experience which would forever tie them together.

Yet he held things back, because Oliver Queen is no longer in the picture and Oliver Jones is an escort who's friends with Felicity Smoak. It was all that mattered.

He's still Oliver but no longer a Queen. But it wasn't enough for Felicity.

Oliver should've known his lies and past would catch up to him. When he found out Ray had weaseled his way into their perfect little bubble he should've seen it as a sign. Fate was warning Oliver to stop denying his past ever existed, but in typical Oliver fashion, he chose to ignore it. And he destroyed the one good thing to come out the absolute hell he endured eight years ago.

After all the accusations and yelling, Oliver now understands what Felicity wants from him, and it's the one thing he's been avoiding for so many years. He had hoped he would never have to open his personal can of worms, but these are unusual circumstances, and after hearing how much Felicity cares for him . . .

Everything Felicity said about him was true: He purposely doesn't speak about his job because he'd rather listen to her office drama than discuss how Taiana was almost raped, or how Roy overdosed on prescription meds because he wasn't there for him. Oliver's an uneducated failure who is ashamed of being an escort, and he doesn't want to tell Felicity's he's Oliver Queen since it'll make her pity him.

And most of all, Oliver's cowardly self didn't want to expose Felicity to his world because she'll never be able to understand, and he wanted to separate his work life from his personal one for his own benefit.

There are so many things holding him back. The truth physically won't come out of him because he's been repressing it for so long, and he's worried the moment he admits how badly he and his family fucked up, it'll all amount to nothing. There's no point in looking back at his past if it only brings pain and misery, but this is Felicity, and she means more to him than anyone in the world.

Closing his eyes and letting himself be swept away by an overwhelming sense of numbness and acceptance, Oliver finally decides to do the right thing, no matter the consequences.

"I . . . My name – my real one – is Oliver . . . Queen."

The air is palpable with tension, questions and unsaid words, and Oliver's mouth goes dry with trepidation. Upon glancing at Felicity, she's clearly in shock and he can practically see the gears running in her head. Exposed and at his most vulnerable moment, Oliver stands still and waits for Felicity to register the magnitude of his reveal, his legs shaking in nervousness.

"I – I don't understand . . ."

Her voice cracks while her eyes carefully watch Oliver, but he can spot the exact moment she does understand. His chest painfully contracts knowing this might forever ruin things between them, but there's no going back. Memories – good and bad – assault his mind, and he's powerless to prevent his eyes from welling up in tears. He remembers everything now.

"When my mother lost Queen Consolidated, we lost . . . everything. Our savings, the house . . . It was hard."

Swallowing thickly, Oliver tries to push back against the bitter memories of watching his mother and Thea sitting helplessly in front of their door, unsure of where they'll be by tomorrow with no money and no home. His legs are wobbly and he needs to hold onto something tight, but there's nothing there except his lies desperately holding onto him before they're all gone.

"And then my mom . . . died and I didn't – I couldn't support me and my sister. I'd dropped out of four colleges and didn't have any real work experience."

Shaking his head, his face flushes in embarrassment – he had so many opportunities as a Queen and instead he threw it all away, never realizing he could lose everything in a blink of an eye.

He remembers going to his father's many known associates and asking – begging – for any position, whether it be a secretary or unpaid intern. They made him fall to his knees and grovel, only to turn him away for their own enjoyment. His skin burns with deep seeded anger and in humiliation, and he closes his eyes, trying to push those feelings away once more.

"It was . . . so hard to find a job, Felicity. Nobody wanted me."

After he was humiliated multiple times, Oliver put Thea under Malcolm Merlyn's care, knowing Malcolm would ensure she had a proper education and a safe home to stay in. Tommy, Malcolm Merlyn's son and Oliver's best friend at the time, cared deeply for Thea and promised to protect her while Oliver was away. It shamed Oliver to ask the Merlyns for such a big favor, but he trusted them to keep Thea safe and knew they wouldn't let him down. And most of all, he needed them to shield Thea from how desperate the situation had become for Oliver.

"So I came to Chicago and . . . I met Isabel. And that was it."

Closing his eyes once more, Oliver takes a deep breath and realizes just how weightless he feels after spilling the truth. The shame, guilt and overall numbness has disappeared, and he waits with baited breath to hear what Felicity has to say. He feels hopeful – perhaps they can move on from this and become even closer than they were before. Taking a quick peek at Felicity, he sees her stoically looking back at Oliver, her expressionless face making Oliver more nervous by the second.

Her face crumbles in despair, and it's when Oliver's heart breaks into a million pieces. He can see it plain as day, as Felicity's eyes well up in unshed tears, that he hurt her so much by keeping this secret from her. Eager to make her feel better, he steps forward and reaches out for her, except this time she's the one to step back, her hand signaling him to stop. Rejected, Oliver takes a deep breath and tries to fix the situation as best as he can.

"I never really knew you at all, did I?"

"Y-yes you do, Felicity," he says with a hint of desperation. "You know I like –"

Felicity presses her mouth in a hard line. "Let me rephrase: I knew Thomas Jones. But I never knew Oliver Queen."

There's a part of him ready to tell her she's absolutely wrong, but in the back of his mind Oliver can see there's some truth to it. He showed a carefully constructed version of himself, just enough to make himself and Felicity happy, but enough to keep her away from the deepest parts of his mind.

But despite not knowing Oliver Queen, she really does know Oliver – the real Oliver. The Oliver who has a budget and doesn't spend his money frivolously, unlike before. The Oliver who genuinely loves to cook, and hopes to one day do something with it. The Oliver who believes Die Hard is the best Christmas movie, but only beating Home Alone by a smidgen.

She knows who he is, just not every dirty secret.

"Felicity . . ." he whispers, unsure of how to fix this. He's at a loss for words and can only pathetically stare at Felicity, hoping she can see how sorry he is.

"Do you know Ray Palmer?"

The abrupt and random question throws him off guard, and he considers ignoring the question until he distinctly remembers Felicity asking him why he dislikes Ray. If it'll make her feel better to tell her the truth, he'll do so. Taking a deep breath Oliver manages to grit out, "No."

"Then why do you hate him so much?" Crossing her arms, Felicity glares at him with steely eyes. Oliver begins to feel a little defensive, although he's in no position to do so.

Clenching his jaw, he closes his right hand into a fist as he remembers reading The Times and seeing Ray's smarmy face plastered all over it once he acquired QC. Oliver hasn't forgotten how in the subsequent months after the acquisition, Ray routinely made a show of how different he was, and continued to slander the Queen family name.

"He . . . bought out QC from my family."

Scoffing, Felicity looks around the room and shakes her head. "That's it?" she asks, her voice laced with chagrin. There's no doubt Felicity thinks Oliver's reasoning for hating Ray is a joke, but she doesn't understand what continued slander – whether it's in tabloids or coming from the mouths of rich dicks like Ray – does to a person's self-worth.

"No that's not it," Oliver snaps. "He – he took my future away from me. I'm supposed to be Ray. I'm supposed to be CEO of QC . . . not him."

The bitter taste of reality sours his mouth as he recalls spending nights wondering what he would do as CEO of QC, instead of being an escort whoring himself multiple times a day. If things were different – if Oliver had just paid attention, gone to college, and assisted his mother during her business dealings – maybe he wouldn't be in the situation he's in now. Watching Palmer Tech become one of the most profitable companies year after year only caused Oliver to swim deeper in envy and has-beens.

"Oliver, I think it's time you stop blaming other people for your problems."

Her flippant statement angers Oliver, and he grinds his teeth as he tries to collect himself. It's obvious Felicity doesn't understand how difficult it's been for him – to lose everything in a blink of an eye is such a jarring experience that it makes it difficult to move on. And suspiciously enough, Ray swooped in the moment QC's stocks fell, as if he knew all along what was going to happen. The circumstances are highly coincidental, and Oliver would be an idiot to not think otherwise.

Inhaling deeply, Oliver shakes his head and attempts to explain. "No offense Felicity, but you don't know –"

"You're right. I don't."

Oliver realizes he's losing Felicity every second that passes by, and there's not much he can do to stop it. Her eyes watch him like a hawk but she's guarded – her shoulders have contracted and she's crossed her arms, hugging herself tight and no doubt feeling very alone.

Stepping forward, Oliver reaches out for Felicity once more but she doesn't accept it. Sighing, Oliver shakes his head and pleads, "I can – will – tell you everything, right here, right now."

Taking a deep breath, Felicity glances down at the ground and stays that way for a moment. It seems as if she's debating to know more about him, which is odd considering Felicity said she wanted to know the truth. Her silence makes him feel extremely anxious – their friendship is slipping through the cracks and Oliver's unsure if he'll be able to salvage it.

"But you never really planned on telling me the truth, did you?" she asks quietly.

Felicity looks so small and tortured, standing in her corner of the living room, no doubt devastated by his actions. Feeling nothing but guilt, Oliver wishes he could go back in time and not meet Felicity on that fated appointment. This turned out to be much more complicated than he asked for, and he wishes he was never given an opportunity to upset Felicity like this.

As if sensing Oliver's war with himself, Felicity solemnly looks up at Oliver and chews on her lip, their argument getting to her fragile state. "I should've known better."

Oliver frantically tries to find a way to keep this from exploding even more. "Felicity, I was going to . . ."

"When?" Felicity cries. Throwing her hands in the air Felicity's eyes begin to shed tears but she angrily brushes them away, while Oliver's chest constricts in pain. He did this to her – he made her feel she wasn't worthy of his friendship. There's no one else to blame but him, and it kills him to see her like this.

"All this time . . . I thought you didn't want me to move to Star City because you were jealous of me or – or just didn't want me to leave because of – never mind – but . . . you never trusted me to tell me the truth."

"That's not true, Felicity," he says vehemently. He would've told her when the time was right, considering things were distant between them for the past month.

"Your actions speak otherwise, Oliver." Placing a hand against her forehead, Felicity uses the other hand to point at him. "You made me believe this . . . version of you. How can you call that a friendship?"

He's at a loss for words and attempts to wrap his head around Felicity's statement. There's no version of Oliver – there are simply things he withheld due to his cowardice. And despite telling Felicity the truth, it isn't enough to fix things between them. Oliver's heart sinks in resignation and he realizes just how ruined things have become.

"This didn't change anything, did it?"

"Actually it did." Glancing away from him, Felicity inhales deeply and softly says, "Now I know you were lying to me the whole time and never thought I was important enough to know the truth."

"Felicity . . ."

There's no possible way he can show Felicity how much she means to him. Without her infectious smile and optimism, he would be nothing but a washed up has-been clinging onto what ifs. For the first time in seven years, she gave him an opportunity to feel something other than complete numbness and denial. Her guiding light gave him a chance to live month by month, instead of appointment by appointment.

Oliver can't put into words the love he feels for Felicity. It's so strong – it makes him anxious, nervous and happy all at once. It makes him want to shout in delirium, to smile until his lips are exhausted from doing so, and to desire a future with her.

She's everything to him.

"I'm an escape for you, aren't I? Just someone who makes you feel better and that's it?"

Uncrossing her arms, Felicity's eyes harden and any trace of warmth left in her disappears. A hint of panic begins to form in Oliver's body and he doesn't know how to tell Felicity she's utterly wrong about being an escape. He knows anything he says won't change her mind and it's killing him.

Felicity is a reality. Felicity is a home to him.

"No."

"Then why didn't you tell me the truth!" she despairs as a fresh batch of tears land on her cheeks.

Seeing her devastated by his reveal forces Oliver to frantically search for the right words to explain his stupid decisions, but he fails miserably. How can he articulate that he was scared of getting attached to someone, only to lose them in a freak accident? How can he say how much it aches to see how his life has changed, and that he wasn't jealous of Felicity's accomplishments, but instead of how Ray is everything he wishes he could be? How can even begin to talk about how much it shames him to be an escort?

Instead he mumbles, "I . . . don't . . . It's complicated" and immediately regrets doing so.

"God Oliver, you are the only person on earth who considers the truth complicated!" Felicity cries. Regaining control of her emotions, she scoffs then looks up at the ceiling before she looks back down at him and jabs a finger at Oliver.

"Admit it: you just didn't want to face the truth. You used me to sustain a fantasy."

Placing his fingers against the temples of his forehead, Oliver breathes in deeply to gather his thoughts but with no avail. Agitation seeps into his bones – he's beginning to know what helplessness feels like. He wants to scream and shout, and wishes time could freeze so he can stop this from spiraling out of control.

"Felicity – Jesus – I never used you. You're . . . Felicity, you're the closest thing to a home I can remember having."

Of all the things he's denied or admitted this afternoon, that is one truth he will forever stand by. Felicity must know he would never think of her like that. It aches to know Felicity feels this way, and there's no one else to blame but him.

It's quiet for a moment as Felicity tiredly closes her eyes, while Oliver's heart thunderously beats beneath his chest. He's never felt this uninhibited before – it's as if a high tide is about to engulf him, but it patiently waits until it's time to strike. The inevitable is torturing him.

Slowly opening her eyes, Felicity's eyes shine with sadness and he just knows her final decision has been made.

"A . . . home that's moving to Star City."

An overwhelming feeling of numbness takes hold of him. It's different from when he lost his parents, his home and his money. He felt fear back then, but right now he feels nothing but disappointment mixed in with a sense of failure. So many things went wrong to where he doesn't know at which point it all started to crumble. In the following hours and days, Oliver will dissect everything about this argument and all the times they've spent, but no matter how hard he tries, he'll know this was the inevitable end.

He failed their friendship.

"I'm so sorry, Felicity."

Refusing to look at him Felicity whispers, "Yeah, well, so am I."

Although they're not standing far away, it's as if they're thousands of miles apart. With each passing second, Felicity's presence gets smaller and smaller until she's nothing but a dot in the horizon. With a sinking realization, Oliver knows he's lost her forever.

"I ruined everything, didn't I?"

Only a couple of hours ago he promised to do whatever it took to protect those he loved. He thought it meant fighting for them, staying by their side until they're ready to go on their own. But for Felicity it means something different – it means letting her go. He respects and loves her too much to drag her down with his failures. Felicity deserves to go to Star City to make a real difference, and Oliver won't stop her.

With a heavy heart, Oliver savors one last look at Felicity, drinking in her tear-streaked face with her hair piled up in a sloppy bun. Oliver's heart aches knowing this will be the last time he'll see her – he wishes their goodbye could have happened under better circumstances.

"I . . . Good luck at Palmer Tech, Felicity. I mean it."

A strangled sob escapes Oliver and he quickly looks away, unable to face Felicity one more time. His vision blurs and he's vaguely aware of Felicity turning away, no doubt overwhelmed by her emotions as much as he is. Despite his body shaking, Oliver manages to turn and face the door; his hand gently pressing against the handle and loathe to open it.

He stays there for a minute, hoping for a miracle that will give him an opportunity to make things better between them. But Oliver knows better, and when it's time to say goodbye there's no way to stop it.

It doesn't feel like a new chapter in his life is starting – it feels like he's going back to Point A, back to who he was before he met Felicity. But the memories will stay and they'll haunt him forever. It'll ache to think about Felicity's smile and her laughter, and the first time she came to his apartment and burned all the food. It'll bring a twinge to his heart, reminding him of what could've been.

With a shaky breath, Oliver twists the doorknob and steps out of Felicity's apartment, effectively severing ties with the one person who brought him happiness. He's hit with an intense amount of dread, nervousness and helplessness, but soldiers on as he softly shuts the door behind him. For a moment Oliver considers opening the door again and to beg for Felicity's forgiveness, but it would be pointless.

It's time to let go, he finally admits to himself. And to his chagrin he does.

#olicity #olicity fic #oliver queen #felicity smoak #olicitysquee

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torentialtribute · 5 years ago

Text

Ben Stokes is a very modern genius… but we have to make sure he doesn’t burn out

Sportsmail's cricket experts are considering a sensational Headingley test, Ben's heroism Stokes and consider the destination of the ash now.

Have you seen a larger test?

Paul Newman (Cricket correspondent)

No, this is not a privilege to be there. How can a team for 67 be eliminated and still win? That has not been done for over a hundred years, for God's sake. I was not at Headingley 1981 or Edgbaston 2005, so there really is no competition.

This is why Test Cricket remains the best game and please, please, please always. Isn't that the kind of cricket that will inspire a new audience? I can't bear the prospect of retiring to watch only Twenty20 and heaven forbids The Hundred. I just can not.

Ben Stokes hits a six against Nathan Lyon while Australian captain Tim Paine watches on

Nasser Hussain (former captain of England)

I have seen some of the 1981 series as a young kid, but the only game they performed in the area was the Ashes Test 2005 in Edgbaston. That had incredible drama right at the end, but the difference between that match and Headingley was that Edgbaston had several key players influencing the game at different times, while Headingley was ultimately about one man.

And England won not only after he was eliminated for 67, but they needed 73 with only one wicket in their hand. In terms of wonder, Headingley wins for me.

David & # 39; Bumble & # 39; Lloyd (Broadcaster, former English batsman and coach)

I was out during the game and strangers came to me on the street and said: & # 39; Have you seen what just happened in Headingley? & # 39; It feels as if the game has evoked the spirit of the country, somewhat like Botham's heroism in 1981.

And I also think that more people became involved in this competition. The first four days were sold out, while in the 1981 Headingley test the total turnout in five days was 52,000. I can't think of a test that has caught the nation like this.

Defeat in Headingley allegedly raised questions about Joe Root & # 39; s Test captaincy

Lawrence Booth (Wisden Editor)

The only test I saw in real life that could compete with Headingley 2019 was Edgbaston 2005 – another opportunity when England avoided going 2-0 against Australia through the skin of their teeth (and with a little help from the referee).

But there were three tests to go that summer. The defeat at Headingley would have been curtains and the questions would have started about the captain of Joe Root. Part of the shine of the World Cup would also have been removed.

Three tests were won by teams that followed, and two are equal, but this competition must match each rank.

How about a larger test inning?

Booth : For sheer shock value, Kusal Perera & # 39; s undefeated 153 for Sri Lanka against South Africa in Durban in February (another win with one wicket) will only effort.

For out-and-out cojones, there is Kevin Pietersen & # 39; s Ashes clinching 158 at The Oval in 2005. But for his range of strokes – the driveway here, the straight-sixes everywhere – Ben Stokes must go straight into the upper handful.

After the first innings of England 67, people rightly complain that white-ball cricket had damaged the testing techniques. But without Cricket with white balls, Stokes could not have hit like Sunday. It was a very modern piece of genius.

Hussain : That was the best innings I saw by an Englishman, especially when you consider that you have already climbed one Everest on the World Cup this summer.

He must have been mentally empty, so playing like this was remarkable. As for the foreign innings, everyone spoke earlier this year about the battle of Kusal Perera against Durban, South Africa.

But I also think back to the 281 of VVS Laxman in Kolkata against the Australians of Steve Waugh in 2001, when India won after a sequel and he had to hit a turning point against Shane Warne.

Lloyd : There have been a few. Graham Gooch & # 39; s undefeated 154 in Headingley in 1991 was one, and there was Brian Lara & # 39; s 153 not against Australia in Bridgetown in 1999.

But I have chosen a few that can be compared with Stokes. Mike Atherton & # 39; s 185 not out in nearly 11 hours to save England in Johannesburg in 1999-2000.

Then there is the beautiful 103 from Sachin Tendulkar to help chase India to 387 to beat England in Chennai in 2008-09. It came after the terrorist attack in Mumbai and just felt like the right result in an emotional game.

Newman : No, again. In the dizziness of the moment, I said it was the best innings ever played in Test cricket, and countless views of the highlights don't diminish the hyperbole.

The largest innings I had ever seen before was Graham Gooch on the same Headingley ground in 1991 against the West Indies at their best, with Derek Pringle playing the supporting role. This must be better because the axis was on the line. It was perfect from Stokes in every way.

Where does Stokes go from here?

Stokes is now at the highest point cricketing and is the best all-rounder in the world

Lloyd : I hope he packs his bags and takes his family to a secret hideout for a few days. He just needs to get away and come back refreshed for Manchester.

His life took a wrong turn not so long ago, but this summer everything revolved around redemption: first winning the World Cup, now two hundred in the As.

He did the right thing by leaving and getting fit, and now he has to stay that way. We have always talked about Botham and Flintoff, but the chat is now on Ben Stokes.

Newman : To cricket greatness. To become the best all-rounder in the world and the best that England has ever had. To fulfill all that potential, he threatened to throw away that dark night in Bristol.

To inspire children to pick up the game, Ian Botham did me and so many others all those years ago. And to create that same feeling of awe, I still feel when I meet Sir Beefy in various media centers around the world, because & # 39; it's Ian Botham! & # 39; Stokes can do this now and more.

Booth : further and higher. He's only 28, but he's kept himself in better physical shape than the other two all-rounders in England, Botham and Flintoff, and he has a real love for the game and his teammates.

Stokes is the real leader in this test team, but vice captain is where he should stay: imagine how many overs he would throw if he was in charge.

Now that he has removed Bristol from his system, he can be as good as he wants to be – or possibly as good as the ridiculously busy schedule allows.

He is only 28 and has himself in better shape then kept his predecessor Andrew Flintoff

Hussain : I think Stokes will just keep doing what he did. He will just train hard, and he will not grow up. He remains an incredibly popular teamman.

The only question is how he is cared for, what will be a debate for the ECB and its management company. Yes, he deserves to earn a lot of money at the IPL, and he probably just has another & # 39; 0 & # 39; added to his contract, but they must keep a close eye on his workload.

He is an all-rounder in all three formats, and we must ensure that he does not burn out, like Botham and Flintoff for him.

What should England do now

Hussain : The big question is the fitness of Jimmy Anderson. If he has passed enough overs before the fourth test, and both he and the medical staff think he is fit to play in Manchester, then he fits in with Chris Woakes.

But we cannot pay a repeat of Edgbaston. Regarding beating, I have said all the time that I want to open Joe Denly to open, promote Stokes to No. 4 and allow Jason Roy to No. 5.

The big question for the fourth test at Old Trafford is the fitness of Jimmy Anderson

Lloyd : Will Anderson fit well? It is a risk, especially after Edgbaston. What he needs is good kilometers in his legs, not a two-day two-day practice match.

And if Jason Roy was good enough Two tests ago, he is now good enough. We can't just throw players overboard. The only possible change I would consider is to get Dawid Malan for Joe Denly, but I tend to stay on the same side.

Booth : Two players look a bit tired: Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes. They have both had emotionally declining summers and it is no shame to give them a few races for the winter.

I would give pope at No. 6 (not No. 4, where he did two tests against India last summer) and Sam Curran at No. 8.

about Jimmy Anderson, but they are going risk him after Edgbaston? Moreover, the tail would then consist of two No 10s and two No 11s. That can prove to be expensive.

Chris Woakes looked a bit tired and could make way for Anderson in Manchester

Newman : We cannot only think that everything is now rosy in the English garden. Yes, they can hit well, but they must now continue to win the Ashes and I would make some tweaks.

The experiment with Jason Roy at the top of the order was worth trying, but it didn't work and I would move it to the middle order. Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler still seem to be suffering from a World Cup hangover and I would take them out of line.

And sorry Jonny, but Ben Foakes to eat and take the gloves. He is a real test cricket and deserves another shot. The time of Ollie Pope and Sam Curran will come

What about the Aussies? How do they recover from Headingley?

Booth : Captain Tim Paine spoke a good game on Sunday evening and said that Australia could have won all of the first three tests. And he's right. So the fact that it is 1-1 can give them the sinking feeling they experienced in 1981 and 2005.

Nathan Lyon in particular will have to pick himself up, although not many English cricketers shed a tear for him. Steve Smith's return changes dynamics again, and he should replace Matthew Wade, who himself has only 100 help in the second innings in Edgbaston.

Steven Smith's return to Australian batting line-ups changes dynamics once again

Newman : It will be very difficult for Australia to come back, and England must ensure that this does not happen.

Who knows if Steve Smith will be quite the same when he returns, but there are two clear candidates that he can replace in Usman Khawaja or Matthew Wade. All the pressure is on the Aussies and a captain in Tim Paine whose leadership was as dodgy as his batting in Leeds.

Mitchell Starc plays at the fastest pitch in the series, which is not over yet. But I stick to what I said the moment the Lord's Test was taken. And what I wish I hadn't said when they were thrown out on Friday at 67 AM. England will win the Ashes.

Lloyd : Australia will falter. They've messed up a run-out and used up their reviews, although I still think the lbw scream at Stokes slid down the leg. Hawk-Eye does not seem to have noticed that it deviates after hitting its front path.

As for Nathan Lyon, people will remember the moment he dropped the ball on Vill from ABL after being deflated in a test in South Africa. For me, Smith comes in for Khawaja.

Matthew Wade was able to make way for Smith despite a self-help hundred at Edgbaston

Hussain : the problems in Australia will be psychological. They still have a fantastic bowling attack, and they know everything about the weak vulnerability of England. But they must leave Headingley behind.

Mitchell Starc should come in what is expected to be the fastest throw in the series, probably for James Pattinson, although they may decide that Pat Cummins needs rest. And Steve Smith plays instead of Travis Head or Matthew Wade.

Usman Khawaja has enough credit in the bank to survive. Tim Paine is a problem – both because of his lack of runs and his bad review – but they don't let the captain fall.

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#Ben Stokes is a very modern genius… but we have to make sure he doesn’t burn out"

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thrashermaxey · 6 years ago

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Ramblings: The annual Dobby Awards. Also some playoff thoughts, Matthews vs. Marner and more (Apr 08)

***

Now available – the 13th annual Interactive Playoff Draft List. Order it here, download immediately. I updated this Sunday with the latest and will update it again before the playoffs start. Tons of notes and insight on this list as well as my own picks. If you bought the Ultimate Fantasy Pack in the summer, this will be included in that purchase. It is not included in the Keeper Fantasy Pack. I did update this Sunday morning and I had to update it again in the evening because there was a problem getting goalies to appear. That is fixed now.

First, join my NHL Bracket Challenge – the DobberHockey League of Winners.

Second, join my Dobbernomics playoff game. It’s free, it’s fun, and frankly it’s pretty challenging. You can put in your team right now under a salary cap, and then keep changing them around because transactions are unlimited until the playoffs begin.

For all the hype that Auston Matthews gets and Mitch Marner does not – Marner has kept up with him in production, and this year is out-producing him badly. Yes, injuries…but injuries are a part of a player’s value. Marner doesn’t seem to get hurt, Matthews seems to be a lock for missing 10 games or more just from his style of play. One thing I noticed in reviewing for playoff pools – Marner had nine points in seven games last spring while Matthews had just two. Matthews brings high value as an elite sniper with size and strength in the center position – a rare commodity. But isn’t Patrick Kane a pretty rare commodity, too? Yes, I’m comparing Marner to Kane. Marner deserves more dough than Matthews. Curious to see if he gets it. The reality is, the Leafs need both players.

You know who they don’t need? William Nylander. Still shaking my head over that “not trading Nylander” comment from Kyle Dubas. He’s a great top six forward, perhaps even a first liner. But there are several dozen of him in the league. Most definitely not a rare commodity. And if he costs the team keeping the likes of Andreas Johnsson or Kasperi Kapanen (I won’t even consider them losing Marner over keeping Nylander, I shudder), then that’s too big a sacrifice.

It’s still happening. Mark Stone joining Vegas’ 1B line hasn’t really helped that line, since it was already fairly productive. But it has had a huge impact on the 1A line. William Karlsson, Reilly Smith and Jonathan Marchessault have been red hot over the past month. Since the trade deadline:

Marchessault – 17 points in 19 games (0.89 vs. 0.67 prior to that)

Karlsson – 17 points in 19 games (0.89 vs. 0.62)

Smith – 18 points in 18 games (1.00 vs. 0.63)

Stone – 11 points in 18 games (0.61 vs. 1.05)

Stastny – 17 points in 17 games (1.00 vs. 0.76)

Pacioretty – 8 points in 16 games (0.50 vs. 0.64)

Tuch – 9 points in 19 games (0.47 vs. 0.78)

A lot of this can be explained. Tuch’s dropoff is from his being bumped from the second line. The top line, or 1A, was heavily defended against in the first half, with the opposition shutting them down and thus giving themselves the best chance to win. But with Stone there, how do you focus on anyone else? Stone has the most talent and is the biggest game breaker. How do you put your best shutdown D on the Karlsson line and leave Stone free to do as he will? You can’t. And I’m curious to see if he can step up his game and boost that line’s production in the playoffs. Right now I’m more bullish on the Karlsson line when it comes to drafting in playoff pools.

You can so very clearly see which GMs weren’t thinking ahead and adapting, simply by looking at the overall scoring. Scoring is up this year. By a lot: 3.01 goals per game and that’s up over the 3.00 mark for the first time since 2006.. The top scoring team has 325 goals. Twenty-five teams have at least 225 goals. And then Anaheim, Los Angeles, Dallas, Minnesota and Arizona have fewer than 215? The Ducks didn’t even reach 200? Talk about being caught sleeping. With more of the net being visible thanks to smaller goalie pads, the clutching and grabbing by slower, bigger players no longer works. Now it’s about speed, and puck movement starting at D. Arizona recognizes this and are moving towards it. Minnesota also seems to suddenly get it, based on their Deadline moves. The Ducks have a solid prospect pipeline so there’s still hope there. But what of Los Angeles? Things could actually get worse there before they get better.

This year’s Dobby’s!

Biggest Fantasy Surprise: Erik Gustafsson. Of course. This one is probably unanimous. To hit the 60-point mark as a defenseman when we weren’t even sure if he’d be a regular roster player is pretty fantastic. Six defensemen reached 60 points this season and a virtual unknown was one of them. Runner-Up: Jordan Binnington. Winnington indeed.

Lucky Linemate Award: While much of the prognosticators and journalists were going nuts over Calgary’s signing of James Neal, crowning him a potential comeback player and already christening him as Johnny Gaudreau’s linemate…I held firm on my belief in this year’s winner Elias Lindholm. As a right-shot and a backup centerman who could take faceoffs when needed, it was just too good a fit. Why would Calgary bother making that trade if not to put Lindholm on the big line? I didn’t waver and in fact traded one of my 12 keepers last summer to sub Lindholm as a keeper in his place (Clayton Keller). Just one point in his last nine games prevented him from reaching 80 points (he hit 78). Runner-Up: Cam Atkinson, who also fell short of a milestone, stopping at 69 points thanks to just six points in the last 14 games. He did hit 41 goals though.

Second-Half Stud Award: Patrick Kane’s 59 points in 39 games tied Nikita Kucherov in scoring since January 5. It was also a nice jump from his already-solid first-half pace of 51 points in 42 games. Runner-Up: Sean Couturier, who had 47 points in the last 42 games after starting out with 29 in 38. This was despite managing just three points and going minus-9 in the final seven contests.

Cha-Ching Player Trade Award: Dylan Strome. Six points in 20 games for Arizona, then off to Chicago where he picked up 51 in 58. Runner-Up: Ryan Donato. He had 16 points in 22 games after the trade. But unlike with Strome, we were still fairly comfortable with Donato eventually coming around. The trade just expedited things. Donato ended the season with just one point in seven games and minus-8, so by no means is 2019-20 guaranteed to be “the year” for him.

Second-Half Swoon Award: Patrik Laine had 20 measly points in the last 49 games after starting the season with 30 in 33. Runner-Up: Jeff Skinner was a revelation with 44 points in 45 games to start the year. He was going to demolish his career high of 63 points, no question about it. That is, until he didn’t. Just 19 in his last 37 to finish up with, you guessed it, 63 points. Congrats to anyone who traded either of these players in January.

Fantasy Player of the Year: Andrei Vasilevskiy. It’s not a coincidence that the teams that won each of my leagues that involve goalies, owned Vas. As I noted to one GM when we were discussing the fairness of the goalie points system in that league: “Owning Vasilevskiy under these rules right now is like owning Gretzky in 1986.” He only played 53 games thanks to a broken foot, and yet he still managed 39 wins. If healthy all year, he may have taken a run at 50. He also boasted a 0.925 SV% in an era where goaltenders don’t really do that very often. Runner-Up: Nikita Kucherov, who finished with 128 points, 12 more than the next player and the highest total in 23 years.

Fantasy Rookie of the Year: Jordan Winnington. I wrestled with this one for a long time because I’m a huge Elias Pettersson fan and feel he will be an elite player. As in – Top 5 in the league. Meanwhile, Binnington could Jim Carrey his way out of the NHL and become this massive bust. But we’ll always remember this year. In the end, I asked myself – which rookie did the most to help a fantasy owner win. And frankly, Winnington turned more than a few fantasy squads around on his own this year. So even though I would much sooner own Runner-Up Pettersson and Honorable Mention Rasmus Dahlin by a wide, wide, ridiculously wide margin in keeper leagues – Binnington has to be the ROY in fantasy hockey.

Fourth Year Magic Award: Dylan Larkin teased in Year 3 with 63 points and then took another huge step this season with 73. This is quite the feat when you consider that no other Detroit player reached 55. Runner-Up: Max Domi jumped from 45 points in his third year to 72. He was a big reason why the Habs made it to Game 81 before finally being eliminated from the playoffs.

Best Cap Bargain: Only one player was paid less than $10,000 per point scored, and that was Brayden Point. He had 92 points on a $650,000 salary, for just over $7,000 each. Runner-Up: Alex DeBrincat.

Cy Young Award: Viktor Arvidsson only played 58 games but he still managed 34 goals. But he had just 14 assists. Runner-Up: Tie between Jeff Skinner (40-23) and Cam Atkinson (41-28).

The Power-Play Crutch: Keith Yandle wins this one because nobody relied more heavily on the man advantage for his production than the Florida defenseman. He had just 23 points at even strength, but a whopping 39 on the power play. Nobody was even close to that ratio here. Runner-Up, and a distant one: Mike Hoffman who was at 35 for ES and 35 on the PP.

I hope you enjoyed this year’s Dobby’s!

Two other players I looked at for a fantasy boost after being traded: Tanner Pearson (the second time he was dealt), Jordan Weal (the second time he was dealt) and Jared McCann. In 19 games with Vancouver, Pearson had 12 points. Not great, but still quite the improvement. It looks even better, though, when you see that he ended the year with nine points in nine games. He showed great chemistry with Bo Horvat towards the end and I think he can get back to that 45-to-55 potential we saw in him earlier.

Jordan Weal has teased us at the end of the season like this before. And the last time he did it, he was set to become a UFA and earned himself a two-year, one-way contract. I think his progress was derailed by the Flyers lucking into the draft lottery win and adding Nolan Patrick to the lineup. It nudged Weal down the roster and he hasn’t done much of anything since. Here he is, set to become a UFA again and he ends things in Montreal with eight points in nine games. What kind of contract he earns from that should determine how much of a chance he will get. And to be fair – he had plenty of top-six opportunities in Arizona, but couldn’t find the chemistry. He is clearly a guy who will lean on chemistry with a talented player for his points.

And McCann, of course, had that wonderful run as Sidney Crosby’s linemate and picking up 10 points in eight games just after the deadline. But the magic seemed to vanish as he managed just four points in the final 12 contests. Next year could almost be considered his fourth (he played 29 games in 2016-17), so that definitely nudges me towards drafting him in the summer as a sleeper pick. He has played 244 career games so it’s right in that wheelhouse for a breakout.

I didn’t know that Joe Thornton had 29 points in his last 33 games. He’s sailing into the postseason truly on a roll and if you like the Sharks to go deep, you may want to nudge him up your playoff draft lists.

The reason I am not a big fan of Alex Nylander in keeper leagues – injuries. He had himself a nice season this year taking a big step forward in his pro career after a couple of steps backward. But he had a different injury wipe out two of his training camps, back-to-back, and then finally getting an opportunity with Buffalo that looks as though he is there to stay – and he gets hurt again. If every time he gets some sort of opportunity or gets on a role he suffers an injury, he’s never going to get going. There are too many other prospects to roll the dice on, so I’ll leave the younger Nylander to someone else.

I just realized I’m kinda trashing on both Nylander brothers today. Time to write something nice: Both have tremendous upside and I really like William as a potential first-liner – no matter what team he plays for. In fact I think it’s better for both him and the Leafs if he went somewhere else. He would flourish elsewhere, and they would address some serious needs. I also don’t rule out Alex as a potential top sixer, to be clear what I wrote above was that other GMs can take a chance on him, I will look at other prospects who aren’t getting hurt.

See you next Monday. Good luck in your playoff pool drafts, and that link again for the Draft List is here.

from All About Sports https://dobberhockey.com/hockey-rambling/ramblings-the-annual-dobby-awards-also-some-playoff-thoughts-matthews-vs-marner-and-more-apr-08/

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ultrasfcb-blog · 6 years ago

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Wilfried Zaha: Is the Crystal Palace winger a target? Does he get enough protection?

I’d have to get my leg broken for anyone to get a card – Zaha

Wilfried Zaha gets fouled. A lot.

The Crystal Palace winger was one of the five most-fouled players in the Premier League last season, and it is a trend that has continued into the new campaign.

Mathias Jorgensen’s yellow card-worthy challenge during the Eagles’ 1-0 win at Huddersfield on Saturday appeared to be the final straw for the Ivory Coast international.

“I feel like I’d have to get my leg broken for anyone to get a red card,” he said after the match.

But is Zaha on the end of more rough treatment than the Premier League’s other star players? And should he get more protection from officials?

Pack your shinpads…

“Why am I getting different treatment from other players?” said Zaha, who scored Palace’s winner at Huddersfield. “I have tried to speak to referees. There’s nothing I can do any more.”

Zaha has played in four of the Eagles’ five games so far this season and has been fouled 11 times. Only Leicester’s James Maddison, Chelsea’s Eden Hazard and Will Hughes of Watford have been fouled more.

Since the start of last season the Crystal Palace man – fouled 87 times – is behind only Richarlison, Hazard, Jordan Ayew and Dele Alli.

Rewind even further, to August 2013, and Hazard is the only Premier League player to have been stopped unlawfully more times than Zaha.

Why is Zaha fouled so much?

It is no surprise the most-fouled players also tend to be among the most dangerous in attacking positions.

Hazard, for example, scored a hat-trick in Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Cardiff on Saturday and has been directly involved in more goals than any other midfielder in the league since his debut for the Blues in 2012 – scoring 74 and assisting 41.

Zaha has also carried his prolific form from last year into this season, with Saturday’s goal his third in four games and eighth in his past 10 league matches.

The Eagles have come to rely on him, averaging 1.5 points per game in the 33 matches Zaha has played since the beginning of 2017-18, compared with zero in the 10 he has missed.

Former Premier League midfielder Robbie Savage says that makes him a target, and admits he would “try to wind up” similar opponents during his playing days.

“I would think, ‘I’m going to try to get in their face, I’m going to niggle, I’m going to kick them’. I knew my job in the side,” Savage told BBC Radio 5 live.

“If I was playing against Zaha, I would try to do the same thing.”

Is rough treatment getting to Zaha?

Zaha has been fouled 11 times this season, but got was for one of his own against Huddersfield

The most-fouled players in the top flight generally tend to be those who attempt the most dribbles – Hazard, Zaha and Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling are the three most-fouled players of the past five seasons and also the most prolific dribblers.

But Zaha said after the Huddersfield match that being singled out for rough treatment “makes you not want to go on a run because someone will come through the back of you, and it doesn’t allow you to express yourself”.

Does he have a point?

We are obviously still early in the new season but Zaha is – on average – attempting almost half as many dribbles per match and is being fouled slightly more often.

Does he get enough protection?

Zaha’s frustration came out on the pitch on Saturday – two minutes after being brought down by Jorgensen, he fouled Florent Hadergjonaj and was shown a yellow card.

“It is every single week,” said Savage. “He gets kicked everywhere. I don’t blame Zaha for showing some frustration and leaving a bit on somebody.”

This season, three of the 11 fouls on Zaha have led to a booking for the tackler, compared with six bookings dished out for fouls on Hazard and Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser.

Last season, only Richarlison got more opponents carded for fouls, and since 2013 Hazard is the only player to top Zaha.

But Palace boss Roy Hodgson believes not only do players not get booked for fouls on the winger, they do not get penalised at all.

“There were quite a few occasions [at Huddersfield] that if those fouls were at other end on one or two of their star players there might have been a chance of getting a free-kick,” Hodgson told BBC Radio 5 live.

Kevin Kilbane, who played as both a full-back and a winger in his career, says the kind of treatment Zaha receives is nothing new.

“I played against many full-backs who would do anything they could to stop you when I was a kid coming through the system,” said the former Republic of Ireland international.

“When I was playing against a wideman in a full-back position, I would try to do anything I could to stop him. Little things off the ball, try to put them off their stride, and try to get close and, if necessary, give them a little kick.”

Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman believes Zaha responded in the best way possible to being targeted at Huddersfield.

“Because he is so important, he is going to be on the end of kicks every single week because opposition teams will think, ‘we stop him, we stop Palace’,” Osman told BBC Sport.

“He dealt with it the best way you can, by going and scoring the winner to silence the fans and silence the opposition, kind of saying ‘if you are going to do that to me, I will do that’. That is how you answer it.”

Are referees more lenient on Zaha’s opponents?

Zaha has been booked for simulation four times since the start of the 2015-16 season

Former England boss Hodgson suggested his star man is not getting the benefit of the doubt because of “media campaigns and experts making their judgements”.

Zaha, who has been booked for simulation four times in the past three seasons – more than any other player, has previously said he feels opponents “want to get me banned” for diving.

“The campaign that has been mounted against Wilf is having an influence and that is sad if it is the case,” said Hodgson.

“I think he is a player who stays on his feet more than most.”

Osman says Zaha has a tendency to hold on to the ball too long, but can understand the winger’s frustration after being on the end of what he describes as potentially “career-ending” tackles.

“I do feel he goes down a bit soft. I also feel he holds on to the ball a little bit too long at times, allowing himself to be kicked,” Osman told BBC Sport.

“However, the two tackles he has been on the end of in the past two games have been career-ending, both of them.

“So I can understand his frustration. Neither of them have seen a red card, so you can see why he is wondering where the protection is.

“I don’t completely agree with him coming out like he has done, maybe that is more for the manager to do, but maybe by highlighting this there will be a crackdown on those sort of tackles against him.”

Kilbane says a player of Zaha’s quality will continue to be targeted, in the same way Lionel Messi is at Barcelona, Gareth Bale is at Real Madrid and Hazard is at Chelsea.

“He is a supremely talented footballer. He is going to get riled. We will see more of what we saw on Saturday,” said Kilbane.

“Take it as a compliment, try to adapt your own game to try and get away from close marking and use your ability, because people are only targeting him because of how good he is.”

BBC Sport – Football ultras_FC_Barcelona

ultras FC Barcelona - https://ultrasfcb.com/football/12359/

#Barcelona

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nirah10 · 6 years ago

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From Anon,

So the gang lives in Oxford right? Do they have any favourite pubs or bars? My favourite when I lived there was The Jolly Farmers, which is the only real gay bar in Oxford, at least when I was studying at uni down that way.

You can find heaps of gay bars and nightclubs in London though, I live in London now. I miss Oxford, although it is not too far from London, I could go visit, lol, it is only about 52 miles (about 85 kilometres) from where I am in London. So not that far I guess, maybe an hour and a half, but in English traffic it tends to take longer, at least whenever I go.

Lovely place though.

[Added in a second message]

“Right. Right,” she said, nodding her head as if she were in agreement. “Can you tell me where the TARDIS is parked right now?”

She could tell by the way he glared at her that he knew what she would say, but he answered anyway. “Chiswick.”

Opps, sorry. I re-read the early Gods of War chapters and noticed Harry told Rose they live in Chiswick.

That’s about an hour and 15 minutes drive from Oxford University (normally MUCH worse in traffic), where Harry teaches.

Didn’t Wilfred and The Doctor used to walk with Ganbri in the pram to Oxford to pick Harry up from work? Wouldn’t that take like 12 hours? Lol. And in Domestic Life, the Doctor would like Harry up from uni and drop him off sometimes, like in that chapter Harry had an attack, Harry didn’t have his own car.

So does The Doctor sometimes spend three hours in the morning driving him to work (hour and 15 there, hour and 20 back) and then do the trek again on the way back? So he would spend six hours driving around sometimes? Why wouldn’t Harry just take his own car? Because it was mentioned ages ago sometimes the Doctor drives him.

And how the heck did The Doctor do a full day marathon walk with an old man and a baby to pick Harry up from work?

Time Lords are weird.

Also, loving this story. Harry is my fave. I just like how kind he is behind all that gruffness. I think he and Kel would really balance each other out well.

Dear Anon,

You are right in that most of the characters live in Chiswick–the “family”–and the general go-to pub is The Old Pack Horse. Jenny is in Oxford and frequents The Butcher’s Arms. Doug and Celeste live in Hounslow, Declan in Kingston, Kevin (and Nista when they lived together) in Richmond, and Kel is in Feltham. Kel frequents The General Roy and sometimes The Moon on the Square, often with Doug and sometimes Celeste (he also goes to the bowling alley semi-regularly).

As for Harry’s commute, I did notice it was a bit of a problem when I decided he would work at the university :P I’m partially relying on the idea that it’s in the future and measures have been taken to make the roads less congested, but yeah it would be a pain in the butt. At first, the Doctor drove him because they were concerned about Harry’s ability to drive with his attacks (and before UNIT, the Doctor really had little else to do). They eventually decided that Harry was safe to drive and he would drive himself. He never walked all the way from home. On days when they wanted to go for a walk, they would still drive to Oxford but then talk Ganbri for walks around the campus. There are frequent days where they cheat and use the TARDIS because Harry was either running late or didn’t feel like a long commute. All in all, they just make it work for them ^_^

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helloworlddemo1122-yahoopar-blog · 8 years ago

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Your Complete Guide to Binge Watching 'Marvel's Iron Fist'

The Defenders roster is now complete. With the premiere of Marvel's Iron Fist -- all 13 episodes are available to stream at midnight -- the final spot in Netflix's assemblage of small screen Avengers has been filled by Danny Rand. Before you binge, here is a comprehensive guide of everything you need to know about Danny and his glowing fist of kung fu glory.

"The show is very gritty and very dark in certain aspects," Finn Jones explains to ET. "We tackle serious issues, like the heroin problem in New York and corporate cataclysm and corruption behind the scenes. There's definitely dark elements, but I think how Danny is different from the other superheroes is Danny has this naivety to him, which actually gets him in a lot of trouble."

EXCLUSIVE: How Finn Jones and Jessica Henwick 'Faked' Their Way to 'Marvel's Iron Fist'

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Who is Danny Rand? He's a comic book character who has been kicking around -- literally -- since the '70s, first appearing in Roy Thomas and Gil Kane's Marvel Premiere #15. Perhaps the least well known of The Defenders, Danny is essentially Batman -- a tragically orphaned child of a billionaire-turned-masked vigilante -- meets Bruce Lee. Game of Thrones star Finn Jones plays him here, part man-child, part Buddha-spouting hippie, with a sprinkle of trust fund bro-iness for good measure.

Who is Iron Fist? Or maybe it's, what is Iron Fist? Both work. Iron Fist is ostensibly both a title and an ability. As Danny himself explains on the show, Iron Fist is a "living weapon" and "sworn enemy of The Hand." It's also a power manifested by focusing your chi into your fist so you can punch things real hard. In comic lore, Danny must defeat Shou-Lao the Undying -- who, FYI, is a dragon -- to attain the power of the Iron Fist.

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Why is this one so damn controversial? Isn't it just another superhero show? See, Danny Rand may be white in the comics, but many have argued that is the byproduct of the bygone era when his story was created, when people weren't as woke about cultural appropriation. Ahead of Jones' casting, there were petitions for Marvel to cast an Asian-American actor in the part -- it's hard to make another "white savior" narrative if you don't cast a white savior!

For his part, Jones has done a...not great job of making a case against the backlash -- Trump is probably not to blame for this one -- and the series itself doesn't lean either way on the subject, neither creating a truly fantastical K'un-Lun (the mythical and Asiatic realm where Danny was raised) that shakes some of its Orientalist clichés nor acknowledging, hey, yeah, Danny's a white boy and a lot of the time it sounds like he's reading a fortune cookie.

EXCLUSIVE: Marvel's Head of TV Reveals How 'The Defenders' Will Be Different From 'The Avengers'

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So, what's the basic story here? Fifteen years after being presumed dead in a plane crash, Danny returns to NYC the rightful heir to Rand Enterprises, the monolithic family business. There, he reunites with childhood friend Joy Meachum (Jessica Stroup) and his frenemy-or-maybe-straight up enemy, Ward Meachum (Tom Pelphrey), as well as the Meachum's dead-but not dead father, Harold (David Wenham). It's no spoiler to say Danny does not receive a warm welcome.

"It's a bit of a surprise for all of these characters, considering the fact that they thought this guy was dead 15 years ago," Wenham explains. "It obviously rocks there world, because he could be a potential threat, he could be potentially useful for them, considering here's a kid who is probably a rightful heir to half this billion-dollar corporation."

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Do I need to remember anyone from the other shows?

1. Claire Temple (Rosario Dawson), who was last seen in the Luke Cage finale checking out a flyer for self-defense classes. As eagle-eyed Easter egg-loving fans noted at the time, that dojo is owned by Colleen Wing (Jessica Henwick), effectively providing an entry point into Iron Fist for Claire, the sort of Nick Fury of the NetflixMCU.

2. Jerri "J-Money" Hogarth, whose gender-bent comic book counterpart actually started as an Iron Fist supporting player. She's back--now with a fun nickname!--having been a Rand intern long before the events of Jessica Jones.

3. Madame Gao (Wai Ching Ho), the mysterious heroin dealer from Daredevil season one, and The Hand, that mysterious pack of ninjas from Daredevil season two, also play crucial roles. Brush up on them, especially since Finn teased that the latter, at least, will continue on into The Defenders.

"Danny kind of understands the bigger threat, because he's been dealing it all throughout his life and all throughout season one of Iron Fist," Jones teases of the upcoming series. "So, when he meets The Defenders, he is the one who really drives the group to understand the bigger picture."

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I thought Iron Fist had something to do with Luke Cage? Why isn't he on this show? You're not wrong. While Danny and Luke have both had their own solo comic book runs, arguably their most popular was when they joined forces in Power Man and Iron Fist and opened Heroes for Hire. I, for one, am not opposed to Netflix forgoing the typical season two and instead doing 13 episodes of Luke Cage & Iron Fist: Heroes for Hire. Back to your question: Mike Colter, who plays Luke, already performed his crossover duties in Jessica Jones. He can't appear in all the shows! That's what we have Rosario Dawson for.

EXCLUSIVE: How 'Game of Thrones' Star Finn Jones' Last Day on Set Led Him to 'Iron Fist'

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OK, be honest, is it as bad as everyone is saying? It's hard to watch anything objectively amid an onslaught of takedowns and hot takes and think pieces, but is Iron Fist the worst thing that's ever been broadcast on television* (*a streaming service) and an indefensible stain on Marvel's good name? Nah. The first and second episodes are a bit of a chore to get through, I'll admit, but considering the six episodes made available, the show begins to hit its stride -- or a stride -- around episode four, and five really starts to get into the actual Iron Fist of it all. (By rule, every Marvel-Netflix series could be three episodes shorter, or each episode could be trimmed, at the very least, 10 minutes.) And that's not to discount some of the criticism -- it's valid! -- but after six episodes, I was willing to tune into the seventh. All in, it's just a bit of a disappointment, when you think of what it could have been. I mean, give us K'un-Lun! Give us spandex supersuits! Give us that mother effing dragon!

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More importantly, how's the kung fu? That might be the most disappointing part of it all. You get plenty of fight sequences -- within the first few minutes of the show, even -- but they are generally...underwhelming, something not often said about KUNG FU. The fight scenes are made to appear effortless -- Danny's the best martial artist evahhh -- but which has the inadvertent side effect of making them appear lackadaisical.

A perfect example of how Iron Fist wastes its own potential is a fight sequence at the end of episode two, which -- without giving away too much -- finds Danny in a straightjacket. It's the set-up for something unique and perhaps unlike any fight scene on any show before. (Or, at least, no Marvel-Netflix show.) Instead, it's more of the same, highly choreographed, punchy-punchy mush. And it could be so cool! Pulpy and stylized and exciting! That kung fu movie aesthetic might not gel with the grounded, gritty, street level superhero world established thus far, but it'd certainly be more interesting to watch. Ultimately, Iron Fist tries too hard to be the Kung Fu Daredevil, instead of the best Iron Fist it could be.

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Anyway, what's the spinoff I'm going to want after watching this? While Heroes for Hire is certainly enticing, I'd trade that and the Punisher spinoff for Daughters of the Dragon, the team comprised of Colleen Wing, badass sensei and sometimes sidekick to Danny, and Luke Cage's Detective Misty Knight (Simone Missick). They're set to cross paths in The Defenders, maybe just go from there?

brightcove

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torentialtribute · 5 years ago

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From flops to tops: Eoin Morgan has turned England into world-beaters

Eoin Morgan & batting was just incredible – seventeen sixes in

From flops to tops: Eoin Morgan – with a little help from Joe Root and Co – England has turned into world beaters

England has been transformed – and the captain leads the way

Nasser Hussain for the Daily Mail

Published: 22:30 BST, June 18, 2019 | It was just ridiculous, wasn't it? Seventeen sixes in one turn. More than 100 runs simply by clearing the border. That's just incredible from Eoin Morgan.

I walked to the border just before the end of the English innings and heard the noise – including the crowd fooling the last ball when it became clear that they didn't reach 400 – and I thought: & # 39; Wow. This is what it's all about. & # 39;

In the past three or four years we have seen batting events like this from England, but this is the World Cup, there is your transformation. This can no longer differ from the last World Cup – and the captain is at the forefront of it all.

<img id = "i-f4a3c37b344f0430" src = "https://dailym.ai/2IplF2c image-a-67_1560887652835.jpg "height =" 422 "width =" 634 "alt =" <img id = "i-f4a3c37b344f0430" src = "https://dailym.ai/2WgE5KP /18/20/14954372-0-image-a-67_1560887652835.jpg "height =" 422 "width =" 634 "alt =" Eoin Morgan has been at the forefront of the transformation of England since the last World Cup. Forefront of the transformation of England since the last World Cup "

Eoin Morgan has been at the forefront of the transformation of England since the last world cup

Morgan has never doubted how this team should play He has never doubted the expressive and almost carefree attitude of this batting line-up, even if they are somewhat wrong, he has always said they should take the offensive option if they could.

So when the kapit he goes outside and does it himself, he filters through the team. They now have so many batsmen who can do this. If you don't get Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow will. If you don't get Joe Root, Jos Buttler will. And above all, Eoin Morgan will.

Morgan has been in phenomenal form for a year now, but has almost fallen under the radar because of how well Roy, Buttler, Bairstow and Root – to name just four – have played.

He has experienced a period in which he struggled but he got through it and the kind of man who will never score slowly, because of his self-confidence and belief

Now he has returned to being the Eoin Morgan that we saw when he first came to the scene, because it was Morgan who set the example for how this party plays now. Just like Kevin Pietersen before him, Morgan was ahead of his time.

<img id = "i-4a63e1d5b631ec19" src = "https://dailym.ai/2XYD3js image-a-81_1560887870696.jpg "height =" 431 "width =" 634 "alt =" Joe Root is just one of many English batsman who will punish opposition camps "

Joe Root is just a of the many English batsman who will punish oppositionists

This was the perfect example of that Morgan confidence. He has a bad back and when the second wicket fell over at the end of the 30th, he could have easily knocked on the ground where he did very well in the past

Op that way he had protected his back and taken a bit of a back seat, but instead Morgan took the responsibility to go out and do the work himself.

There is no doubt Morgan received an absolute hospital pass for the last World Cup in 2015 when he was asked to take over the one-day captain with

Perhaps that was one of the reasons why his own record in that tournament, as it was often in international ICC events, was poor.

It has been said that this World Cup is the perfect time for 32-year-old Morgan to bow out and perhaps withdraw from the international game, especially when England wins for the first time. Why should it be? Why wouldn't he just continue?

Look at India. You don't see MS Dhoni, 37 years old, showing signs of packing. While he is good enough, he keeps playing.

In England we talk so early about getting rid of our best players. But Morgan has transformed this white ball side and has the greatest respect for his team.

Morgan is a special man, a special person. For example, he is not like Root, who lives and exhales the game. He is just as happy in the racecourse as in a cricket field. And he makes his own decisions

I still disagree with his call to Bangladesh three years ago, but I respect him because he has the power to make it. He's his own husband.

Also a word for Moeen Ali. That cameo of 31 of the nine balls will give him the power of goodness on his return to the side after his attack of bad punch.

But the day came from the man who did more than anyone else to reach England where they are today.

<img id = "i-8a6c49b13fce72d6" src = "https://dailym.ai/2Ip7bz2 image-a-84_1560888095509.jpg "height =" 423 "width =" 634 "alt =" <img id = "i-8a6c49b13fce72d6" src = "https://dailym.ai/2WgE5KP /18/21/14954764-7155649-image-a-84_1560888095509.jpg "height =" 423 "width =" 634 "alt =" <img id = "i-8a6c49b13fce72d6" src = "https: //i.dailymail. co.uk/1s/2019/06/18/21/14954764-7155649-image-a-84_1560888095509.jpg "height =" 423 "width =" 634 "alt =" Cameo of Moeen Ali of 31 out of nine balls against Afghanistan will give him the power of good "class =" blkBorder img-share "

Cameo Moeen Ali & # 39; s of 31 out of nine balls against Afghanistan will give him the power of good

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thrashermaxey · 7 years ago

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Ramblings: Gibson’s Finest (Nov 30)

It is far too small a sample, but over the past two nights we have seen 14 games and a combined 67 goals. That’s a rate of 4.79 goals per game. Considering the NHL has been a 3-2 league for years, the past two days have felt a lot more like the norm than the blazing scoring pace of the past two months. We’ve all been waiting for the other shoe to drop on this uptick in scoring. If scoring rates do drop, we’ll recognize the end of November as when they started to be reigned in. We’re not at alarm bells time, but I’m starting to see that old pattern.

If you recall, earlier this season I swung a deal to land Martin Jones in a 24-team dynasty league where I am rebuilding a roster. I’ve never been that high on Jones having this to say at the time of the acquisition:

Now, I’m not very high on Jones. He was in my third tier for goalies this season because while he was guaranteed to be the Sharks’ starter, he wasn’t guaranteed to be any good. I am not certain that Jones or the Sharks are very good. So far, he has been excellent with a 0.927 percentage through nine games but no one should be making goalie decisions based on such a sample. I jumped at Jones figuring he’d be closer to his career 0.917 save percentage playing behind what looks like a creaky Sharks team. But the early returns are good thus far.

That was an important acquisition because until that point, I did not have a starter on my roster. This gave me a seat at the starting goalie table, of which there are only 31 places. I now had something to leverage in negotiations for a goaltender I actually wanted. That goaltender is now on his way to my club. I moved Jones for John Gibson in a deal that will surely be a disaster short term, but is a no-brainer long term.

I have discussed how crippling the Ducks’ injuries have been for Gibson’s value. He was a stay-away for me at every draft, because he was going higher than I was willing to draft a goalie who was going to tank the first half.

Gibson has faired quite well considering how thin the roster in front of him is rocking a solid 0.921 save percentage, but the Ducks are getting caved in allowing a league high 36.5 SOG/game. Gibson is essentially giving you what Robin Lehner has the past few seasons, which is fine, but is clear third goalie material.

I expect Gibson will be awesome once the Ducks get healthy. He has pedigree, talent and youth on his side. The 24-year-old has a career 0.921 save percentage, well above average, and a clear upgrade on Jones whose career rate is 0.918. Of course, Jones has been fantastic boasting a 0.930 save percentage, and a 2.05 goals-against average second only to Sergei Bobrovsky, but at 28 he doesn’t fit my rebuild timeline.

This trade was easy for me to make given my lack of interest in contending now and need to improve my roster for a far-away time. I do think that a Jones-Gibson swap could have merit as a sell-high/buy-low move even in one-year leagues.

Jones’ save percentage should regress towards his career average. Gibson should continue to stop pucks at a high rate, and will churn out wins whenever the Ducks get healthy. Gibson owners are in for a long couple of months waiting for Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler to return, and will bleed points in the standings, but if I were betting on one goalie to be better come head-to-head playoffs, I’d bet on Gibson. There’s nothing better come H2H playoffs than a goalie on a powerhouse team fighting for a playoff spot.

The Ducks were without Brandon Montour for last night’s contest:

{source} <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">INJURY UPDATE: Randy Carlyle said Brandon Montour has a hyperextended elbow from the game in Chicago and will miss tonight's game.<br><br>"It looked a lot worse than it actually is. We don't want to risk it turns into anything long term."</p>— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnaheimDucks/status/935951809104855043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2017</a></blockquote>

This seems like a damn good way for Montour to lose his spot as the #1 power play guy to Cam Fowler. Turnabout is fair play, and indeed it was Montour who stole the gig while Fowler was out. Fowler skated 5:53 with the man-advantage and notched an assist. I’m not sure we’re close to figuring out the winner between these two.

Sami Vatanen is also in the mix, consistently skating top PP minutes, but he hasn’t been remotely productive this season, which continues a downward career trajectory.

Kevin Roy popped up on the Ducks’ top PP unit in Rickard Rakell’s spot. He skated almost seven minutes of PP time and notched a couple of points. This is a DEEP cut, but an option for folks in larger leagues.

Some sweeping line changes for the Bruins with a bunch of players back from injury, and a bunch of players still out. Both Jake DeBrusk and David Krejci sat out, but Brad Marchand, David Backes and Ryan Spooner all returned to action. They ended up suiting up only 11 forwards and seven defensemen. Check out the lines:

24.91% EV BERGERON,PATRICE – MARCHAND,BRAD – PASTRNAK,DAVID

18.68% EV BACKES,DAVID – HEINEN,DANTON – NASH,RILEY

14.65% EV ACCIARI,NOEL – KURALY,SEAN – SCHALLER,TIM

5.86% EV BACKES,DAVID – SPOONER,RYAN – VATRANO,FRANK

That top line is where your bread will be buttered. Marchand’s a point-per-game guy now and David Pastrnak is right there. Meanwhile, Patrice Bergeron is a high-volume shooter and 60-point guy. All three are on the top power play unit.

Spooner joins that trio on the power play and has some moderate value as a result, but has essentially moved into that Sam Gagner role as a power-play specialist, skating on the fourth line. Spooner is skating only 12 minutes per game, with a quarter of that coming with the man-advantage. That puts a cap on his ceiling.

Backes is only relevant in multi-cat leagues where his PIM/Hits/SOG value remains strong. He won’t score more than 35 points, however.

Tuukka Rask has started consecutive games and fared okay, winning last night. His contract and name brand was always going to buy him more chances. Anton Khudobin remains an intriguing backup option, but the Bruins’ schedule is thin with just four games in the next 13 days, before a back-to-back on December 13/14. The schedule does tighten up at that point with four sets of back-to-backs before their bye week in early January. So we may not see Khudobin for a couple of weeks, but don’t write him off as an option if Rask continues to struggle.

Also, yes, bye weeks are back this season. They are jammed much tighter this season, with the first bye weeks starting January 7th and the last ones ending January 19th. It’s going to make for an interesting couple of weeks in fantasy hockey.

I’m nowhere near dropping Vladislav Namestnikov, but it’s worth noting that the Stamkov line has slowed down over the past couple of weeks. As the third wheel on that line, he has naturally been hit hardest with three points in the last six games. I’m calling it a blip on the radar until we see more “struggles”. Stamkos, Kucherov and that Lightning power play are probably too good for Namestnikov to reach droppable territory, but I’m monitoring the situation.

I am more concerned with Tampa Bay’s second wave. It seemed inevitable based on usage, but the trio of Brayden Point, Ondrej Palat and Yanni Gourde has experienced some pull back. None of those three sees top unit PP time, nor do they get much exposure to Stamkos or Kucherov. That makes it really challenging for them to consistently put up points. Generally, the ceiling on a second unit guy is 60 points, and that’s a tough ceiling to hit. Over the past eight games Palat has five points, Point has four and Gourde has three. They are on pace for 49, 69 and 49 points respectively. Somewhere in that 50-60 -point range feels right for them, especially if an injury pops up.

Mikhail Sergachev should feel some pullback as well, although his current three-game scoring streak would beg to differ. He’s obviously a killer talent with a great shot, but 13% shooting is a big ask. He is also still skating just 14:19 per game, with only 1:47 of PP time. He has maxed out his efficiency with that PP time with eight PPP on the year. He is on pace for 26 PPP, a crazy total for such short usage. That’s why despite the 17 points he has banked, I wouldn’t be shocked if Sergachev fell shy of 40 on the year.

Carey Price is sweeping through the league’s offensively inept! To be fair, the Senators have at least scored a middle-of-the-pack 2.91 goals per game, but their power play, much like those of Buffalo and Columbus (Price’s other victims) sits bottom-five in efficiency. The reality is that this is what Price is supposed to do. The best goalies are supposed to pad their stats against bad teams. While the schedule has been kind to Price in his return, he is doing exactly what you should expect if he’s still an elite talent.

Max Pacioretty notched an assist last nigh, giving him points in back-to-back games. Scoring overall has remained a struggle, but his shot volume remains through the roof. Pacioretty is a 30-goal/60-point machine. I’m not bailing out in the slightest. If anything, I want to try and buy low.

Erik Karlsson doesn’t have a point since returning from Sweden. That makes seven straight scoreless outings. He built up a large enough buffer that he is still on pace to score 73 points despite this drought and despite missing the first five games of the season. He’s a superstar, no concerns here.

The only guy immune to the recent scoring struggles has been Mark Stone, cruising along at a point-per-game clip. I’m not sure Stone can sustain his 23.3% shooting, but he sure seems primed to hit another level after scoring at a 60-point rate the past three seasons. Fourth year breakout? YUP!

Some line shuffling for Ottawa:

#1 26.6% BRASSARD,DERICK – RYAN,BOBBY – SMITH,ZACK

#2 21.7% DUCHENE,MATT – HOFFMAN,MIKE – STONE,MARK

#3 12.4% DZINGEL,RYAN – PAGEAU,JEAN-GABRIEL – PYATT,TOM

#4 9.7% BURROWS,ALEXANDRE – DUMONT,GABRIEL – THOMPSON,NATE

Matt Duchene literally could not have two better linemates than Stone and Mike Hoffman. Chemistry is a whole other factor, but in terms of pure talent, this is the spot to be. Still sitting on just one point since joining the Senators. Everything has been there in terms of ice time, PP use, linemates and shot volume. At a certain point you have to give up. I don’t have Duchene in any pools, but I’d have a hard time staying patient. It’s going to click at some point because Karlsson is eventually going to put up some points. He has been silent for much of Duchene’s time in Ottawa. Karlsson is an inevitability. Duchene will have to follow. I’m just not sure folks can wait any longer.

This is interesting:

{source} <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So far, 121 qualified rookies have skated in the NHL this season. Of that group, 69 are older than Nathan MacKinnon.</p>— Matt Larkin (@THNMattLarkin) <a href="https://twitter.com/THNMattLarkin/status/935921846083571714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2017</a></blockquote>

Nathan MacKinnon is breaking out big time and I suppose it makes sense considering he is only 22!

Stuffed stat sheet for Erik Johnson with eight SOG, four blocked shots and two PIM. I hate to just recite a box score to you, but Johnson has been doing this all season. His point total won’t go much higher than 30 points, but if you score hits, blocked shots and SOG there is immense value to be had from a player who could eclipse 150 in all three categories. Plus, with Colorado’s improvements and a healthy Semyon Varlamov, Johnson is no longer a drain on plus/minus.

A few goodies to discuss from Elliotte Friedman’s latest 31 Thoughts:

22. Both Mike Babcock and Barry Trotz sparred with their local media last week about line combinations. Babcock kept getting asked why Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner don’t play more together. He tried it, although it’s clear his heart isn’t in it. Only one player among the NHL’s top 50 in assists averages fewer than 16 minutes per game. That’s Marner, at 15:35. Next lowest is Will Butcher, at 16:03. Next forward is Nico Hischier, at 16:14.

I am okay with the lower deployment for Marner and Hischier. They both see plenty of PP time and are skating enough minutes to maintain relevance as forwards. For a lot of forwards, the boost into the 18-20 -minute range is from PK time anyhow. Those extra few minutes aren’t always of particular value.

For what it’s worth, none of the NHL’s top-50 assisters is seeing less than 2:00 minutes of PP time per game. Here are the lowest in terms of PP time:

PP Time

E. Staal