#felicity has killed to protect oliver

[deadheaddaisy]

Oh, the IDEAS ... so many WIPs with just this premise!

shipping two characters you love equally is difficult because on one hand, you want them both to be happy, but on the other, you want one of them to be put in danger and the other one to go absolutely batshitfucking insane to get them back

[jbuffyangel]

No Choice to Make: Arrow 2x07 Review (State v. Queen)

Is there anything better than Oliver saving Felicity? The correct answer is no.  Of course, my feminist side is screaming Felicity can take care of herself (and does in most circumstances), but my inner Gloria Steinem needs to zip it.  I want romance novel heroism and “State v. Queen” delivers on a swoon worthy level.

Let’s dig in…

Olicity

This is easily my favorite Oliver protecting Felicity moment because there are so many nuances in their two primary scenes. However, to understand those nuances we have to review a little background information.

The Count escaped from Iron Heights during the earthquake (and released the Dollmaker while he was at it). I love this explanation for returning villains because it makes total sense. Logic in Arrow is rare jewel – treasure the moment.

Moira's trial is under way, but Diggle is not feeling well. Oliver sends John home, but he collapses in the bunker.

Oliver: I heard you passed out.

Diggle: I told Felicity not to call you.

Felicity: Yeah, but before that you said ‘gaw’ and ‘thud’ so I didn’t take it very seriously.

Felicity has John's blood tested and there are trace amounts of Vertigo in his system. They try Oliver’s antidote, but it doesn’t work. Adam Donner, the lawyer prosecuting Moira, also collapses in court due to Vertigo poisoning. The Count kidnaps him and forces him to take the drug to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms. It’s broadcasted live, so everyone affected knows the only cure is Vertigo.

I feel I would make a pretty good drug lord after watching Breaking Bad, Power and Queen of the South. The key to success is return customers, so this is not a half bad plan. You have to admire the Count’s industriousness. Ghost and Walter White would definitely approve.

Oliver hoods up after Felicity tracks Adam Donner’s location through the city seal of the Starling Municipal Records Department, which is reflected in Donner’s eye. Ok, so science is not sciencing in this episode. Felicity is immediately concerned about Oliver.

Felicity: I know what you're thinking.

Oliver: No you don't. I made a choice not put an arrow in this guy and it was the right choice. There’s no more killing.

Felicity was concerned Oliver would regret allowing The Count to live, but it’s just the opposite. He’s doubling down on his vow to Tommy. Oliver is not a conflicted man. He knows he made the right call. That's called growth, my friends.

Felicity’s little assertive nod means she backs Oliver’s decision one hundred percent. In fact, I’m sure she had a whole speech prepared for why not killing The Count was the right thing to do. It’s not just Oliver who believes there is a better way – Felicity and Diggle believe it too. This is as much their mission as it is Oliver’s. They also made a vow to Tommy to do better.

Unfortunately, The Count has caught wind that The Arrow’s aim is not lethal these days. The Count holds his arms wide open – an easy shot – and taunts Oliver to kill him, while Donner is held hostage by a henchman. It’s always a bit of a pickle to determine how Oliver is going to get himself out of these situations without killing. I’m all in favor of the vow he made, but killing does have some practical applications.

Of course, Oliver always finds another way. He fires on some flammable canisters, which creates a fire in a drug factory – clearly against OSHA regulations. Oliver spins and throws a flechette into the henchman’s arm, so he drops Donner and they make their escape.

THIS SCENE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. REMEMBER WHAT OLIVER DID.

Felicity and Diggle determine the common denominator between all those poisoned with Vertigo is a flu vaccine, but they need to be sure. Oliver is busy with his mother’s trial at the courthouse and Diggle can barely walk. Felicity decides recon is on her tonight and seeks out the vaccine distribution van.  Low and behold, there is an entire shelf of Vertigo in the van, but The Count catches Felicity as she snoops.

Oliver and Thea are waiting for their mother’s verdict, which could be coming at any moment, when he receives a call from Felicity. But it’s not Felicity. It’s The Count.

The Count: Oliver? Is it okay if I call you Oliver? Surprised to hear from me, right? Not as surprised as I was. You see, I find this… not unattractive blonde getting all up in my business. And what does she have on her?

Source:  laurelscanary 

Oliver can hear Felicity crying on the other line and closes his eyes in absolute horror when he realizes she’s being held hostage.

The Count: A Queen Consolidated ID badge. Now, I think to myself, why does that name ring a bell? Oliver Queen. He tried to buy off me last year just before the hood put me in a padded cell. Ipso facto, ARROW.

Source:  laurelscanary 

Oliver doesn’t bother to contain his rage and without a second thought leaves the courthouse. Thea calls after him, reminding him that the jury will have a verdict anytime. All Oliver can tell her is that something came up at the office, but he cannot hide shakiness in his voice.  Oliver is afraid.

Oliver arrives at Queen Consolidated, suit on but hood down. For practical purposes, he doesn’t need to conceal his identity from The Count because he already figured it out – something so many other characters have failed to do with much more information than he had.

But from a symbolical perspective, the hood down is crucially important. Oliver is not here as The Arrow. He is here as Oliver Queen. This is personal to him. So much of this series is about Oliver struggling to reconcile his two halves – the hood and the man, but Felicity is one of the few people who truly knows both sides. He doesn’t have to hide with her.

Oliver approaches very slowly. He recognizes The Count has the upper hand and he cannot afford any mistakes. Felicity is zip tied to a chair and The Count holds a gun on her while he strokes her ponytail. That action alone sends the creep factor sky high.

Source: @yet-i-remain-quiet

There is a sexual element to Felicity’s kidnapping. The Count referenced her attractiveness on the phone with Oliver. Now he’s stroking her ponytail. Oliver asks The Count what he wants and he responds, “World peace and personal satisfaction. Though not necessarily in that order.” He massages Felicity’s shoulders at “personal satisfaction” in the grossest way possible.

Source: @yet-i-remain-quiet

It’s a thinly veiled threat of sexual assault, which does not go unnoticed by Oliver.  There are few things worse than rape and it serves to amplify Felicity’s terror and Oliver’s powerlessness and rage. If the writers intended to keep Oliver and Felicity strictly platonic they would not introduce this terribly disturbing aspect into the scene.

The Count monologues for a bit longer and tells Oliver someone else hates him almost as much. This mysterious benefactor funded the Vertigo operation, so The Count could draw The Arrow out and kill him. (Spoiler alert: it was Blood).

The Count gets the drop on Oliver and fires off a couple rounds. It forces Oliver to run and dive behind a couch. It always surprised me The Count was able to get the upper hand in this moment, which points to Oliver’s fear for Felicity more than anything. He’s not thinking strategically when it’s her life in danger. He can’t.

The Count cuts the zip ties and grabs Felicity by the ponytail. He drags her to the spot where Oliver was hiding, ready to finish him off, but this time Oliver gets the drop on him. He points an arrow squarely at The Count’s chest, but he is using Felicity as a shield. The Count holds two syringes of Vertigo (a lethal dose) to Felicity’s neck. It’s important to remember Oliver’s antidote for Vertigo did not work on Diggle.

Source: @yet-i-remain-quiet

Don’t ever say to me Felicity Smoak is not a hero. She was willing to die to keep Oliver’s vow to Tommy. Felicity was ready to trade her life for Oliver’s soul. She believes in Oliver, and their mission, that much. What's madness is thinking Oliver would put the vow before her life.

The Count orders Oliver to lower his bow, which he does and tosses the arrow to the floor. Then we see him do something Oliver never does – he tries to negotiate.

Again, Oliver doesn’t bother to hide the fear in his voice which makes the negotiating sound a lot like begging.

The Count: Consider this your penalty for making me go to plan B in the first place.

The Count raises the syringes to Felicity’s neck and Oliver manages to pull not one, but three arrows in rapid succession - killing The Count. 

The look on Oliver’s face when he fires the arrows, tell me two things.  First, this kill is emotional. When Oliver shoots to kill he typically only needs one arrow. The Arrow never misses. Three arrows is excessive.  It is literally overkill which means one thing – pure rage.  

Second, the act is instinctual.  The rapid succession in which he fires the arrows shows there is something programmed deep in Oliver’s bones to protect Felicity. Her life was threatened and his body simply reacted.

Felicity drops to the floor and The Count crashes through the window. Oliver closes his eyes and exhales like he’s been holding his breath the entire time. I think it is part relief and part regret. He doesn’t regret killing that bastard, but regrets he couldn’t find another way this time.   

Or was there? Upon this rewatch I noticed a couple things. First, Laurel was held hostage by the Dollmaker and Oliver did not kill him. (Sara did the honors that time). But consider the scene with Donner. Oliver threw a flechette into the henchman’s hand to free Donner. The henchman let go of Donner as a reflex to the pain. Could Oliver attempt the same with Felicity? Would a flechette in The Count’s arm free her as well?

The point is we’ll never know. Oliver made a calculated risk at the municipal when he fired on the flammable liquid and injured, but didn’t kill, The Count’s henchman. Oliver was willing to take the risk when Donner and Laurel were involved, but not Felicity.

I’ve been watching a lot of Bridgerton, so the next scene screams romance novel to me.

Source: AARONSWARNER

Oliver makes his way to Felicity who remains crouched on the floor and crying.  He gets down on one knee and tenderly touches her shoulder.

Source: AARONSWARNER

Felicity immediately flinches in fear at his touch, so Oliver in a voice so soft it’s almost a whisper, gently reassures her. She finally looks up and sees Oliver staring back at her with concern and love. She exhales with relief.

Source: AARONSWARNER

The shock wears off quickly once she hears Oliver’s voice and feels his hand on her shoulder. Oliver’s first thought is for Felicity, but her first thought is for him. SHIP COUPLES WHO WORRY ABOUT EACH OTHER FOR CLEAR SKIN.

Source: AARONSWARNER

Oliver moves his uninjured arm from Felicity’s shoulder and cups her face. The man has an actual bullet in his shoulder, but can feel no pain because Felicity Smoak is alive and safe. She is all that matters to him.

Source: AARONSWARNER

These physical moments are no small thing. Oliver keeps an extremely rigged line with Felicity that he rarely crosses. Shoulder touches are the maximum physical contact he allows and even those are on rare occasion. But she almost died tonight, so Oliver allows himself to take it one step further and touches Felicity’s face.  Oliver’s whispered reassurances in his reserved-for-Felicity-only voice unveil the real intimacy between them. He comforts her. Not in the way Oliver would like, but in the way he can allow. The line is still there, but it’s blurred at the moment.

There is no moment which better encapsulates the two sides of Oliver Queen than this scene. One moment he is a rage filled killer and the next he is a soft spoken, loving and tender man. It is not an accident the two sides merge into one for her. Darkness and light working in perfect cohesion to be the hero Felicity Smoak needed.

Source: @laurelscanary

Oliver makes his way back to the courthouse. He is so visibly shaken that Thea asks Oliver if he’s okay. She touches his injured shoulder and Oliver flinches, but it’s not the bullet that’s bothering him. He came too close to losing Felicity. Way too close.

Source: @laurelscanary

Sadly, this somewhat reinforces what Oliver said to Felicity in 2x06. There is a direct correlation between proximity to Oliver and danger, so he thinks it’s better to remain emotionally unattached. In his mind, keeping Felicity at arm’s length means keeping her safe.

But there’s what Oliver says and what he feels. He can refuse to acknowledge or act upon his feelings for Felicity, but that does not eradicate them. If Oliver is truly worried about proximity then why does he allow Felicity to be part of the team? Two reasons, Oliver needs Felicity and firmly believes they can protect her. But this was a frightening close call and Oliver’s fear is stemming from a more than friendly place. Felicity Smoak has become too important to him and it is scaring the crap out of him.

Source: FERRISBUELLER

Oliver returns to the bunker after his mother’s verdict to check on Diggle and Felicity. The way he looks Felicity up and down y’all is… a lot. Queen Consolidated is formulating a non addictive antidote for the people with Vertigo poisoning. Moira is not guilty. All’s well that ends well, so Oliver tells Diggle and Felicity to go home and rest.

But Felicity needs to get something off her chest.

Felicity: Oliver, I uh…

The way this man spins at the sound of her voice like he's a golden retriever who saw a squirrel. He is so gone for this woman.

Felicity: I just wanted to say thank you.

Oliver: (nods) Yeah.

Source: laurelscanary

He truly cannot fathom what she is apologizing for and steps much closer than necessary.

Source: laurelscanary

It seems Felicity has inherited a little bit of Oliver’s guilt complex. YOU WERE KIDNAPPED MY PRECIOUS CUPCAKE!!!

Source: laurelscanary

HE. TAKES. HER. HAND. We had a shoulder touch, tender face caressing and now holding hands. At this point, this equivalent to first base for these two. MY BRAIN SHORT CIRCUITED.

Source: laurelscanary

Earlier in the episode, Oliver and Felicity discussed not killing The Count previously and how it was the right decision. Oliver’s certainty in the rightness of the decision solidifies his commitment to his vow to Tommy. It is not something Oliver is questioning or wavering on. 

But Oliver is not qualifying what happened to Felicity in those terms. This is not about right or wrong. In fact, it wasn’t a decision at all. Oliver was not calculating the risks. Oliver was not thinking about a vow, or honoring his best friend, or the mission. His only thought was Felicity and her safety. Oliver simply reacted. All he could see was Felicity. All he could feel was the unbridled rage that came from anyone threatening her life.  It is programmed deep into Oliver’s bones to protect Felicity. There is no rational thought when it comes to her.

Nor does he care if it was right or wrong now. Oliver is not Monday morning quarterbacking the situation. Someone raised a hand to her, so that person is dead. End of discussion.

There is a war happening between Oliver’s mind and his heart. Oliver was clearly thinking with his head when he told Felicity in 2x06 that he will not allow himself to love her. But this episode was a completely different story. Sometimes life and death circumstances bring a much needed moment of clarity. Oliver may believe he has a choice whether or not he loves Felicity, but his actions show his heart knows different. There is no choice to make.

Moira Queen

The trial is not going well, so Moira is forced to testify. Laurel is lead prosecutor now that Donner is infected with Vertigo.  "Conflict of Interest" is flashing in a neon sign. On any planet in the solar system, Laurel would recuse herself. THE INSANITY GIVES ME A MIGRAINE.

Laurel also decides she’d like to get disbarred and visits Moira in prison because they are “family." Yack. Give me a break. She doesn’t want Moira to take the stand because Laurel will have to prosecute her to the best of her ability and use their smoking gun. Sure, because now she cares about legal procedure.

So, Moira comes clean to Oliver and Thea and tells them she had a one night stand with Malcolm Merlyn while married to their father.  The kids are shocked to say the least. Oliver has a solid case of the yicks. Thea is more than a little angry since she accused her mother of having an affair with Merlyn last year. Moira assures Thea it was not an affair, so technically she didn’t lie. Moira should teach Professional Gaslighting 101.

Inexplicably, Moira is found not guilty. (In my notes: Hahaha suck it Laurel)

Even Oliver is wondering what the fuck just happened. Upon release from prison, Moira is driven to a secret location to meet up with none other than MALCOLM MERLYN. His explanation for being alive is basically, “I’m a super awesome actor and faked it.” Oliver – did you check his pulse? What happened to the body? Did we miss a step Team Arrow? CLEARLY WE DID.

Merlyn bought the jury and Moira’s freedom (Ummm thanks I guess?) so he can deliver the second bomb. He ran a DNA test and knows he’s Thea’s father. PLOT TWIST! Honestly, this makes a lot of sense. I wasn't that surprised. Thea looks more like Tommy than she does Oliver.

Wait, this means Thea kissed her brother. Are we just going to Star Wars this and never talk about it again? Works for me.

Stray Thoughts

Oh shut up Laurel. Quit your bitching - me every time she opens her mouth lately.

Ivo is looking for the hosen because it contains coordinates to a sub that sunk in WWII. Whatever is on the sub can save the world. Shado and Oliver hope it can save Slade, so Team Island is going on a submarine field trip!

Slade has burns on half his body and yet he can still move. The man is not human.

"I have this thing about needles, all pointy things, which is ironic given who we work for.” I just love her so much.

David Ramsey is so enormous he doesn’t fit on the table. The mind cannot conceive of all that muscle.

 “Mom secrets are what put you into this situation. Secrets and lies. And now is the time to give truth its day.” Oh the irony, Oliver.

Donner took drugs on live television. Re-election is going to be a real bitch for the DA.

I like the Thea’s boxing moment with Roy. Nice foreshadowing. Girl is going to have a lot of rage to work through.

Laurel did make a good point about Walter and Merlyn. See? I can be positive about her.

OLIVER. STOP. ASKING. LAUREL. IF. SHE. IS. OK. Her whole “how can you possibly forgive me” speech was also nauseating and not believable. I like her better drunk.

“I’m pretty sure they aren’t interested in Buddhism.” Slade is burned over half his body but he jokes.

30-30-175-12 I’m sure that has something to do with the comics but I don’t care.

Some guy named Cyrus survived Blood’s Frankenstein experiment. So that’s not good.

Listen to the Watchover podcast reaction to 2x07!!!

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[charlie-lynchs]

Well, that hurts like a b***h

Sara Lance x daughter reader

POV: The legends have a mission and Charlie has to save the day, but gets hurt while doing that. It’s 2018.

Warnings ⚠️: blood, weapons, swearing

“Mom I can handle myself.” Charlie said walking behind her mother. “We talked about this now too often. You’re a kid, my kid and I said no.” Sara said not even turning around. “I am 17 years old, Mom. I’m not Child anymore.” She said. They now arrived at the bridge. “Physically yes. Do I have to remind you that you’re born 2007, that makes you 10.” Sara said.

Oliver and Sara went onto the Queens Gambit to hide the pregnancy from everyone. Sara gave birth to her on the ship of the bad guys. When she “died” a second time, Oliver was left with Charlie on the island. Then she got sick and Oliver panicked so he gave her the Mirakuru. Which lead her to the grow to a 8 year old girl in 2008. Now in 2018 she still looks like 17, but is 11 years old. With the Mirakuru she got strong and clever, Nate likes to call her ‘Big Brain’.

“Oh really you play that card, again? But isn’t the Mirakuru an argument for me going to a mission? I’m stronger and harder to kill.” she said annoyed. “That makes not a better case for you. You are not going onto mission. Unterstand?” Sara said starting to point with her finger. Before Charlie could answer Gideon interrupts. “Captain Lance, there is an anachronism.” she announces. “Gather the team. This conversation is not over” Sara said walking to the round board in the middle.

It didn’t take long until everyone was gathered around. “What to we got?” Ray asked standing next to Sara. “There has been a Zombie attack in 1973.” Gideon explained. “Okay, Zari you stay here. Everyone else suit up, we have mission.” Sara said. Charlie sits in the background on one of the chairs. She was really pissed at her mom, pissed that she still treats her like a child even tough she’s been through more then most grown ups. She made her way to her room while Zari moves the Waverider to the right time and place. After Zari did her job and legends are just observing, she made her way to Charlie. She knocks on the door.

“Can I come in?” she asked and door opens. “You do know she just wants to protect you?” She said sitting down on her desk chair. “Since when do you agree with her?” Charlie said looking up to her. “Since I know that you should worship every minute you have with your family.” Zari said. “She lost so much. She doesn’t want to lose you too.” she said. “I know, but I’m not a kid and I’ve been through worse stuff.” she said groaning. “She would understand if you finally explain what happened to you on the island when you were alone.” Zari said. Charlie just looked at her. Zari and Felicity are the only people on earth knowing what happened in that one and a half year where Charlie was alone on the island. “I can’t. I’m not telling her to protect her.” Charlie said. “But don’t you think she will feel betrayed when you tell her?” Zari said looking at her. There is a silence after that. Suddenly Charlie jumps up. “Betray! Zari you’re a genius!“ she said running to the bridge.

Zari took after her. “Why am I a genius?” she asked when they arrived. “Well I asked myself. How the hell did freaking zombies get into 1973?” Charlie explaining while typing something. “And why did they target a small supermarket, instead of the peace event right next to it?” Charlie said. “Right! Normally they would target the place with the most people.” Zari said. “But what if someone wanted them there, to lure the legends there. Someone who felt betrayed and wants revenge but still has a heart not to hurt hundred of people.” she kept going. “Someone like Jane Bloom.” Charlie said letting the image show on the screen. “Ex-Worker at the Bureau. But got fired after she had something against us.” Charlie said. “So she is angry.” Zari said and Charlie just nods. “Sara we’ve got some news.” Zari said, but there was no answer. Zari and Charlie just looked at each other. “Coms are down.” Charlie said. She types something more. “Fuck.” she said running towards the entrance. “Charlie? Where are you going?” Zari asked running after her. “To them. She is especially pissed at mom. She wants her dead. We can’t warn them. So I go there and warn them.” She said taking her arrows and bow. “Ok but I come with you.” Zari said. “No you stay here be my eyes and ears. We go on my private channel so she can’t stop that to. My mom is not going to die today!” Charlie walking out.

Charlie made her way through the city. Now and then she found a zombie on her way and killed it with a perfect shot arrow in the head. When she arrived at the scene she stayed in the background watching the Legends fight the zombies. “Zari you there?” Charlie whispered. “Yeah Baby Lance. You see here?” Zari asked through the coms. “Not yet.” Charlie said still watching everyone closely. Then she sees Sara being busy fighting a zombie and Jane coming from behind with a sword like weapon. Without thinking twice Charlie jumped between the two. The sword stabbing through her stomach. She fell to the ground. By now Sara noticed and knocked Jane out. After that she immediately runs to Charlie. “Charlie! Oh god.” Sara exclaimed while laying Charlies head on her lap. Ray already trying to stop the bleeding. “Why did you that?” Sara said stroking her hair. “It couldn’t be you.” Charlie just said slowly closing her eyes. “Charlie! Baby stay with me. Open your eyes come on.” were the last words she heard.

Sara run to the waverider. Her dying daughter in her arms. When she walked in Zari run by. “What happened?” she said after seeing Charlie. No one answers, all to focused on her. Sara makes her way to the medby. “Gideon! Tell me what going on.” Sara yelled placing her daughter on the chair and putting the bracelet on her wrist. “It seems like the sword was able to hurt organs of Ms. Lance. If I am able to repair that, I have to put her into a coma.” Gideon explained. “Chance of survival?” Sara asked even though she doesn’t want to her the answer. “15%, Captain Lance”. Sara didn’t know how the act or respond. She goes and takes Charlies hand. “Come back to me Sweetheart.” Sara says while pushing hair out of her daughters face. “She is strong, Sara” Nate says standing behind her. “Can you call Oliver and Felicity? Tell them what happened.” she said not looking at him. Nate walked away and does as he is told.

Gideon was able to repair the organs of Charlie but had to put her into a coma. And like she said, the chance that Charlie wakes up is low. Hours turned into Days and days into weeks.

For 4 weeks Charlie was now in the coma. They changed the chair in the medbay into a hospital bed, also big enough so Sara can stay the nights there. Oliver and Felicity came and visit. Right now Sara was sitting on a chair next to Charlie watching her closely. At the same time the team sits at bridge. Everyone was still down and it’s like with Charlie the good spirit of the ship went into a coma. “It’s weird seeing Sara like that.” Zari exclaimed. “Well she usually doesn’t show emotions to often, but when it comes to Charlie she is always softer.” Ray said sitting down. Suddenly there was a ring and Ava Sharpe tried calling via video. “We can’t press her away forever.” Nate said standing up and accepting the call. “Mr. Heywood. I would like to talk to your captain.” she said without a hint of emotions. “I’m sorry, but Captain Lance is not available at the moment.” Ray says now standing next to his best friend. “You have been reclining my calls for week and stop working. It’s time to start working again.” she said. “We have our reasons and they are non of your business.” Zari said this time. “Is it because of Ms. Lance?” She asked and everyone looked surprised. “I know everything. And it has to be said. She is just another human being. Let it go and get your asses up and work. Now I would like to talk to your captain.” she said. This time Mick stands up. “If you talk one more word about Charlie I will burn down your whole office.” he growls and hangs up the call. Everybody looks at Mick, confused on how protective he got. In the medbay Sara fell asleep in the chair next to Charlie.

Pain is the first thing that Charlie feels when she opens her eyes. Her hands go immediately to her stomach where no longer a sword was in, but a bandage wrapped around. She looks around and realises she is in the medbay, she also sees her mother next to her. “Ms. Lance. It’s is good to see you’re awake.” Gideon says. Because of the noice Sara jolts up thinking something bad is happening. “Careful we don’t want you to fall.” Sara turns around from where the voice came from and sees her daughter awake in the bed. Sara hugs her immediately holding her like she is going to lose her any moment. “How are you feeling?” She asked looking at her. “Good. Well, this hurts like a b***h.” Charlie points at her stomach. Everyone was relieved to see her awake. Her dad also came to visit.

Over the next few days it came out that she only survived because of the Mirakuru in her blood. Recovery was still hard but she had the Legends and her mom by her side always.

Right now she was laying on her own bed watching a movie. There was a knock on her door, with a press of button the door opens and her mom stands there with a plate of food. “Thanks but I’m not hungry.” she says and looks back at the TV. “But you haven’t ate your breakfast or lunch. You gotta eat something, baby.” Sara said placing the plate on the nightstand and runs her hand through Charlies hair. She sits down on the desk chair, next to the bed. It had been standing there since Charlie slept in her own bed again and Sara was there until she fell asleep. Sara takes the remote and pauses the movie. “Hey! I was watching that.” Charlie says looking at her mother. “We have to finish our conversation.” Sara said looking at her with a face Charlie couldn’t interpret. “No we don’t. I understood what you had to say and I won’t bother you again.” she said taking the plate starting to eat trying to get out of the conversation. “You didn’t bother. While you were in that coma I had a lot of time to think. About everything. You’re not a child anymore and you’re more clever than me for sure. You proved that. Connecting the dots between Jane and the attack. It was brilliant. So I decided to let you come onto missions. Little ones in the beginning” Sara said. Charlie smiled and jumped up hugging her. It was not the most clever decision given her wound. “Careful we don’t want you to tear your stitches again.” Sara said but with a smile on her face. She helps Charlie sitting down again. “And don’t forget small ones. I choose, no complaints.” Charlie just nods on that comment. Sara laid down with her daughter and the movie continued. Sara didn’t plan on staying the night in Charlies room but she fell asleep on her chest and Sara didn’t want to wake her up. After Charlie healed completely she went on her first official mission and solved it like a real legend.

The End

[joeey-dee]

Okay, so unpopular opinion but Oliver didn't really have a right to be angry at Moira after he found out Thea was Malcolm's daughter, or maybe he did but he had no right to judge her without even giving her a chance to explain.

One he knows better than anyone that people make mistakes. He has cheated on his past girlfriend several times, having a full blown affair with her sister, so getting mad at his mother for having been involved with a friend of his father's is a bit hypocritical. Just saying.

I get that he was hurt and very emotional, Felicity's awful timing in dropping that bomb didn't help and his first reaction being like this makes kind of sense given the entire situation he found himself in, but after the first shock and some of the initial feelings had passed, it would've made more sense for him to confront her and get the entire story, which he would've understood.

And two that knowledge changed nothing for him when it came to his feelings about Thea. So it didn't really matter and since he was also angry at Moira because she made a liar out of him because Thea could never know once again shows that he agrees with Moira's choice to not tell Thea. So they are on the same page and the actual person who turned him into a liar is Felicity. Moira wasn't the one who told him that secret and burdened him with that knowledge, Felicity was. Moira would've taken it to her grave.

Also, honestly, Felicity is more to blame than Moira. And I know a lot of people will disagree with me here but there was no reason why Oliver or Thea needed to know that Thea wasn't Robert's biological daughter. He had loved her as if she were his own. And after knowing who Malcolm was and what he had done it would've been a kindness on Felicity's side to not share that information, especially because she went against Oliver's wishes and behind his back to dig into his family's past. That is not okay.

Plus Thea being Malcolm's daughter had no effect on their lives until the moment Thea learnt about it. Had Felicity stayed out of the Queen family's business, they wouldn't have lost everything, the relationship between Moira and her children wouldn't have been fractured before her death and Thea wouldn't have gone with Malcolm and lost her trust in Oliver and been manipulated to kill Sara.

The fact that Oliver was not angry at Felicity also made little sense to me. Like Moira said, he'd hate Moira but he'd hate Felicity too, he should've at the very least been angry at her for going against him and purposely go to try and dig up dirt on his mother. I would've been. If someone who claimed to be my friend wouldn't listen if I told them to not go hack my family I'd be mad. It's my family and none of their business. But that's just my opinion.

Plus people are entitled to their secrets and Moira had good reasons to keep that one. It was the only way to keep Thea out of Malcolm's grasp. Her action was made out of love and in order to protect her daughter.

Moira made some shady decisions but I get this one, especially since Robert had been aware of it and chosen to love and raise Thea as his own. Not telling Thea was a kindness at that point in time and since both Moira and Robert had known how dangerous Malcolm is for years I think keeping the truth from Thea had been the right choice. Learning the truth messed her up so much which is proof that the choice to keep it from her had been the right one on Moira's part.

This is just something that's been bugging me for a while but I couldn't really articulate why until now, lol.

[theweekinarrowfic]

Completed Arrow Multichapters on AO3, December, 2022

NOTE: I’m now crossposting to https://theweekinarrowfic.dreamwidth.org. Need more Arrow in your life? Why not try one of the multchapter fanfics recently completed by our talented fic writers?

Olicity

I get the sweetest feeling (that this is the start of something new) by StarlightDreamer21 (Oliver/Felicity, 3/3, 2022-12-01) - Felicity Smoak just moved to Starling City to start her new job at Queen Consolidated. It doesn’t take her long though to learn that her best friend, Thea, is the sister of the CEO. She moved here for new opportunities and adventures, but will she also find new love from the CEO who doubles as a 5 star chef?

I Object! by mindramblings (Oliver/Felicity, 2/2, 2022-12-25) - Oliver and Felicity were high school sweethearts, but they were torn apart by the distance adulthood brought to their lives. Despite the hurt and pain that it brings, Felicity is determined to face her past years later. So, she returns to Starling City...just in time for Oliver and Laurel's wedding. Memories bring out an emotional confession.

Other Arrow Ships

Arrow: The Paths To Tomorrow by HRwriter897, Onyon23 (Sara/Oliver, 23/23, 2022-12-09) - After the Crisis of infinite earths event, everything you thought you knew was changed. With the help of the one called The Specter, two individuals from Oliver’s life are given the chance to fix many mistakes and rebuild the world to be better prepared for what comes ahead.

Batgirl Sucks Cock by Batman_Batgirl_XXX (TottPaula) (Barbara Gordon/various including Barbara/Oliver, 4/4, 2022-12-22) - Batgirl thinks creatively to earn extra money to help finance her crusade in Gotham. She utilizes her best skill to earn a few benefactors. So how much cock could Batgirl suck if Batgirl would suck cock? Enough to finance her mission in Gotham as needed. Easy peasy. What millionaire would deny her request? An Arrowverse/ Batverse crossover. If Batman gets to eat pussy, Batgirl gets to suck cock!

What if...? by coldtime2000 (Rip Hunter/Leonard Snart, Sara/Leonard Snart, 33/33, 2022-12-15) - What if...? Fic What if...Would Rip have been married to Snart and not Miranda? After watching his husband die at the hands of Vandalo Savage, Rip Hunter decides to assemble a team to kill Vandalo and save the man he loves. But what if one of his team members is his husband? Only...this version of his husband is not yet his husband.

You can't be serious?! by Victoria832 (Natasha Romanov/Skye | Daisy Johnson; Felicity listed as character, 9/9, 2022-12-24) - When Skye gets the message that a friend of hers passed away Natasha is there to comfort her, to the surprise of her own team. May is starting to grow suspicious of their behavior. And then the two women just leave, leaving the team of three agents short and with lots of questions. A lot of Skye/Natasha

Touch Like a Memory by moonbeam (Oasiis) (Dick Grayson/Jason Todd, Oliver and Dinah Lance listed as characters, 8/8, 2022-12-16) - Dick Grayson, an unclaimed Omega living under the protection of Alpha Bruce Wayne, spends most of his nights as Nightwing, protecting the people of Gotham from numerous threats. His life is relatively simple considering he's yet to break through his first Heat. But his entire world shifts when Dick stumbles upon an Alpha fighting/breeding ring and locks eyes with the mysterious Alpha 'Red'. He's determined to save Red, even if he doesn't fully understand why the urge is so strong, and with his family at his back to help him, he's sure to succeed. However, Bruce Wayne has had his eye on Dick for years in the hope of becoming his bonded Alpha and he doesn't take kindly to anyone that gets in the way. Notes: Set in the Gotham Knights (2022) game universe. This is a standalone AU in the series so feel free to skip to the next one if it's not your thing! <3

Altering The Calm by Phillipe363 (Sara/Oliver, 3/3, 2022-12-18) - Instead of the Olicity driven episode we got and starting so many issues, what if events went differently? What if the show followed a path of Oliver and Sara focused? How does one tiny difference along with other stuff making sense like Oliver caring about QC, change things? Find out.

Waverider Down by legendsstan19 (Sara/Ava Sharpe, 2/2, 2022-12-01) - Summary: When an SOS call goes out to everyone on Prime Earth they are confused why it’s the waverider when all of the sudden the waverider comes crashing down. Read as they help each other get the legends out and figure out what happened.

Любовь под названием «АваЛенс» by Bernyce_Kiuberty (Sara/Ava Sharpe, 28/28, 2022-12-15) - Какой будет жизнь, после свадьбы Сары Ленс и Эвелин Шарп? Единственное, что все знают точно - она не будет спокойной.

Sorry if you can by Bernyce_Kiuberty (Alex Danvers/Sara, Sara/Ava Sharpe, 2/2, 2022-12-15) - Всё началось с драки и закончилось свадьбой. В этом вся я. Хотите узнать кто моя избранница?

playboy, playboy by kapiushonnn (Oliver/Slade, 2/2, 2022-12-15) - Oliver Queen era el playboy más peligroso. hasta que se fijó en Slade Wilson. o pequeño estudio de Oliver Queen y algún que otro carácter en cuánto amor y Slade Wilson.

It's a Super Xmas Tale by AllyBP (Kara Danvers/Oliver, 4/4, 2022-12-22) - This is my annual SuperArrow Xmas story the introduction of a new crackship I believe many people will enjoy. ave fun and happy holidays.

[originalhybridloverfics-backup]

Healing and Scars - The Huntress Returns

Summary: Helena returns for revenge against her father, Chaos is left in the wake of her actions.

Oliver entered the foundry.  

John, who was looking at an article about the man who killed Andy on Felicity’s computers, quickly closed the tab and glanced over his shoulder at him. “Hey. Where you been?”  

“Oh, I thought I’d give myself a rare morning in,” said Oliver.

John looked at him in amusement, doubting his words. Oliver was not one to take it easy.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Oliver defended. “The club is opening, finally. McKenna and I are going on date number six tonight, which is... It’s significant. And, uh, I don’t know. It seemed like a good day to give the bad guys a rest.”  

“Well, it’s the bad girls that I’m worried about.” John turned back to the computer screen and opened a video tab. 

“Helena.” Oliver said, recognizing the woman in the video.  

“Yes, or as I like to call her, your psycho ex-girlfriend,” said John, playing the footage. “This was taken at Alley Cats, the strip joint. The police report lists the stiff’s name as Gus Sabatoni.”  

“That’s Bertinelli’s lawyer. Why would she come back to Starling City just for him? It’s not like he did a good job,” said Oliver, turning away, trying to understand Helena’s reasoning. “Her father’s serving consecutive life sentences without parole.” 

“Come on, Oliver, we both knew this was just a matter of time.” John stood, taking a step toward him. “You tried to help her, you couldn’t. Now the only question is, how long before she drops the dime on you, me, this whole operation?”  

“Ok. I want you to get in touch with the contacts in the Bratva. Talk to anyone on the street, figure out where Helena is, why she’s back.” said Oliver and turned to leave.  

“Ok. But Oliver–” 

“Dig,” Oliver turned back around, cutting him off. “If she’s here, she’s here for a reason. If that’s not Frank Bertinelli, we need to know what she has planned.”  

“Ok.” said John, watching Oliver’s retreating back. 

John just knew this was going to become so much more complicated. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~  

Oliver entered his family home, the sound of his sister’s laughter reaching his ears. “Speedy?” he called out.  

“Oh, we’re in here.” Thea’s voice called out to him. 

Oliver followed the sound of her voice to the sitting room and was greeted by the sight of her sitting on one of the two couches in the room with Helena. He was instantly alert. 

“Look who’s back.” Thea smiled. “She was just telling me about your guy's first date at Russo’s.”  

Helena looked over her shoulder at him. “Hello, Oliver.”  

“Oh, Ollie, I kind of have this pseudo friend that’s looking for a job. I was wondering if the club’s still hiring?” Thea asked.  

“Yes.” Oliver answered her immediately. “Of course. Talk to Tommy. As a matter of fact, you can go upstairs and call Tommy right now,” he said urgently. He needed Thea away from Helena. 

“Great.” Thea grinned, getting up from the couch. “You rock.” 

Oliver kept his expression of politeness until Thea walked past him and out of the room. 

 Helena stood to face Oliver. 

“Where you been?” Oliver asked, closing the distance between them. His tone accusing. 

“Um... Barcelona. Monaco, Budapest.” Helena listed off. “I just needed to forget who I was. And how much I missed you.”  

“Do you mean like you missed Gus Sabatoni?” Oliver confronted her. He refused to fall for her attempt to persuade him. “I thought you were done with your father’s organization, Helena. Because he’s serving consecutive life sentences in Iron Heights prison. You got your revenge.”  

“He just cut a deal with the Justice Department to testify against the East Coast family. In 48 hours, Witness Protection will give him a new name, a new life, and he’ll be off the grid forever. Untraceable!” Helena stressed, the thought of her father getting off easy for his crimes, eating her alive. 

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Oliver told her, and he was, but he couldn’t help her. He couldn’t be part of her revenge crusade. It wasn’t justice, no matter how hard she tried to convince herself it was. 

“My father doesn’t deserve a second chance-- a second life,” said Helena passionately. “And I can’t. I can’t take on a phalanx of U.S. marshals. Not without help.”  

“No.” said Oliver, refusing. “It’s murder. It’s not justice.”  

“Oh, there you are,” Moira greeted Oliver, stepping into the room. “I have a question about your opening tonight.” She paused, seeing Helena, surprise filtering across her features. “Hello.”  

Helena moved to stand next to Oliver. “Hi.” 

Moira put on a pleasant smile. “Oliver, who’s your friend?”  

“Oh! Mom, this is Helena.” Oliver introduced, forcing a smile of politeness. “Helena, this is my mother.”  

“Hi.” Helena smiled. “Nice to meet you.”  

“Helena was just leaving.” Oliver told his mother, placing a hand on Helena’s back.  

“Yes.” Helena agreed with a force smile. “I have a family engagement.”  

“Excuse us for a minute.” Oliver told his mother and started to guide Helena out, wanting to get her away from his family.  

“Of course,” said Moira as they moved past her. Women that Oliver slept with popping up out of the blue was nothing new. 

Helena stopped at the edge of the room, leaning into Oliver. “I guess I will just have to be more persuasive. Fortunately... You have a family, too.” Her words brushed across his skin before she kissed his cheek and let herself out.

Oliver was left standing there tense, his mother standing a few feet behind him, waiting. Every cell in his body told him to go after Helena to make sure she wasn’t capable of following through with her threat. 

Helena was pushing him, trying to get a rise out of him, and it was working.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Oliver stood talking to John by the bar. Employees moving about, getting it ready for tonight’s opening. “She was in my house.” his voice was low so not to be overheard. “She made a not so veiled threat. I want extra security around my mother and sister.”  

John had his phone out. “Way ahead of you, man.” he put it to his ear.  

“Thank you,” said Oliver.  

“It’s my job.” John replied, moving past him.   

“For not saying, “I told you so.”” Oliver turned to lean against the bar.  

“Night’s young,” said John, walking away.

Tommy appeared behind the bar, emerging from the back room with a case of alcohol.  

“Where you been?” Oliver turned to him, hands on the bar. “The club opens in four hours.”  

“I’ve been dealing with the vendors.” Tommy turned his back to him, unloading the crate.  

“No, you haven’t. Tommy... We need to talk.” Oliver waited till Tommy turned to face him before continuing. “I’m sorry, all right. But I kept this a secret to protect the people that are closest to me.”  

Oliver hated that Tommy was shutting him out, turning his back on him without even trying to understand him or why he had to do the things he did. 

“Do you think that’s what I care about?” Tommy asked. “What, that my feelings are hurt? You’re a murder. A killer,” Tommy stressed, taking Oliver back. “You were my best friend in life, but now it’s like I don’t even know you.”  

“You’re right,” said Oliver, recovering from Tommy’s view of him. “I’ve changed. Listen, buddy, now I can explain to you. I can explain to you how and why-- “ 

“What’d be the point? I wouldn’t believe a word of it, anyway.” Tommy said dismissively and walked away, leaving Oliver alone at the bar.  

Oliver felt the urge to go after Tommy, but feared it was only going to make things worse. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Oliver and Tommy’s club was packed, the dance floor crowded with people drinking and dancing.

“To Verdant.” Moira raised a glass. She was on the upper floor with Thea, Oliver, and McKenna. “I know I haven’t always been supportive of this venture, but I have to admit, this nightclub is quite an accomplishment. I’m proud of you. Your father would be, too.”

“Thank you,” Oliver appreciated her words, taking a drink from his glass.

“Yeah, congratulations, Ollie.” said Thea. “The club doesn’t totally suck.”  

“Thanks, Speedy.” Oliver set his champagne glass down. “Thank you very much, all of you, for coming.” 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Tommy leaned against the bar, watching the dancing crowd with a drink in his hand, frowning. His mood sour. It was always sour these days wherever he and Oliver were in the same building, let alone the same room. 

With how things were, he wasn’t sure how they were supposed to work together. He wasn’t even sure if they were friends anymore. It was a hard pill to swallow because their relationship had been more than friendship. It was a brotherhood. They were family. 

“Oh! There you are.” Laurel appeared before him, excited and happy. “This place is amazing. I’m so proud of you and Ollie.”  

Tommy forced a smile, sipping from his glass. “Thanks.”  

“Is everything ok?” asked Laurel.  

“I’m great.” Tommy lies. He didn’t want to talk about it. Especially not with Laurel, of all people. For one, she knew nothing of Ollie’s secret. 

“Well, breakfast was a disaster.” Laurel informed him.  

“Breakfast?” Tommy repeated, uncertain what she was talking about.  

“With my parents?” Laurel clarified.  

“Right. That was this morning.” Said Tommy, apologetically, realizing he had forgotten all about it.. “Uh... Sorry.”  

“Are you sure everything’s ok?” asked Laurel concerned, usually Tommy was attentive, more focused on her. “Because you seem completely off.”  

“I’m fine.” Tommy assured, taking her by the hands. “I promise.”  

“Tommy!” Said Thea, stopping in front of them. “Tommy. Did you call Roy yet?”  

“I left him a message. He starts tomorrow.” Tommy said, and Thea smiled. “Which reminds me, I have to go check in with the office. Excuse me.” he turned and headed for the stairs, needing to get away. He wasn’t in the mood to socialize with anyone. 

“Hey, Tommy,” said a female voice. 

Helena. 

Tommy paused on the first step, giving her his attention. 

“Remember me?” she asked with a smile and recognition shown in his eyes.  

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Oliver headed down the stairs, spotting McKenna dancing in the crowd, smiling invitingly.

“Sorry to bother you, Mr. Queen.” a bartender approached him.  

“Your timing is perfect.” Oliver assured him in relief. “I can’t dance.” 

The server passed him a folded piece of paper. “They said it was urgent.”

Oliver opened the note. 

Meet me downstairs. Now. - Dig.  

He frowned. Certain there was a problem if Dig was asking him to meet him downstairs. 

“You ok?” McKenna asked him, appearing in front of him.  

Oliver looked up. “Yeah. We ran out of Cristal.”  

“Oh.” said McKenna.   

“I’ll be right back,” Oliver told her.  

McKenna patted his shoulder. “Ok.” and returned to her dancing. Hoping he would join her soon.   

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

“Dig?” Oliver walked down the steps and stopped cold. Helena had Tommy bent over a table, his arm wrenched behind his back. “Let him go. He has nothing to do with this.”  

“I told you. Oliver, I warned you.” Helena fisted Tommy’s hair in one hand and bent his wrist in the other at an awkward angle. 

Tommy’s face was pinched uncomfortably. He was hurting, but trying not to give Helena the satisfaction of his pain. 

“Helena! This isn’t you.” Oliver said, attempting to placate her. Trying to dissuade her from hurting Tommy further.  

A cold fist wrapped around his heart. This is what he feared. The people he loved caught in the crossfire, being used as a weapon against him. 

“My father is a mobster and a murderer. It is not like you haven’t killed men like that before!” Helena reminded him harshly.  

“And I tried to teach you to obtain your objective without killing!” Oliver argued. There was another way. Why couldn’t she just accept that? She didn’t have to be this person.  

“By applying leverage. By exploiting someone’s weakness.” she wrench on Tommy’s hand.

Despite his efforts, Tommy screamed out, gasping in pain.  

“There is a whole club full of leverage above our heads right now. Please. Oliver, don’t make me do something that both of us will regret.” Helena gritted out. 

There was a desperation in her eyes than he liked. A desperate person was more dangerous than they appeared. 

“Ok! Ok. You win,” Oliver conceded. All he had to do was look in her dark eyes and he could she her words weren’t a threat but a promise. “I’ll help you. Let him go.” Anger filled his eyes at her reluctance to let Tommy go, voice rising with his own threat. “Let...Him...Go!” 

Helena finally released Tommy, taking a couple of steps back, her eyes distrusting.  

Tommy groaned and gasped, gripping his injured hand to his chest, doubled over in pain. It somehow hurt worse now that he was free than when she had her hands on him, manipulating his limb to a painful degree.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

“Don’t say it,” Oliver told John, pacing the Foundry floor. He didn’t need an ‘I told you so’.  

“Ok. Then let’s talk about Helena.” John sat on the edge of Felicity’s station. “Oliver, if you didn’t still have feelings for this girl, you would have thought of a different solution than letting her extort you into killing someone.”  

“So, what do you want me to do? You want me to kill her?” Oliver shook his head. He didn’t have a choice here.  

“I think you would have a long time ago if she looked like me instead of the T-Mobile girl. She’s a stone-cold killer, Oliver.” Digg stressed.  

“She’s not evil. She’s been lost since her father killed her fiancé in cold blood. And are you going to sit there and tell me that you don’t know what it’s like to want revenge? What would you do? Hmm? If Floyd Lawton was standing right there?” he pointed to the entrance.  

“Nothing that will involve blackmailing you into hunting him down,” said John. There were lines he was not willing to cross. He knew that with absolute certainty. 

“You’re right. Ok?” Oliver admitted. “I can’t kill her. And I can’t take her to the police and risk her exposing all of this. But at least, if I’m involved, I can contain her, all right?” Oliver reasoned. “I can minimize the collateral damage.”  

“Sorry, am I... interrupting something?” Helena announced her presence, coming in through the back entrance, past the stairs.   

“We were just... talking about you,” said Oliver, turning to face her.  

Helena looked at Digg. “And here I thought you didn’t care much for me.”  

John met her eyes head on. “Still don’t.” 

“I haven’t been able to locate the safe house where the FBI is keeping your father.” Oliver said as Helena’s eyes returned to him.  

“I can help with that.” Felicity walked in from the same entrance as Helena did. “I’ve been dying to hack into the FBI security system.”  

“Get out.” Oliver said sharply, holding his hand out for her to stop as Digg moved to intercept, not wanting her near Helena. “Get out. This is a private thing, Felicity. Please.” 

Helena’s eyes turned to her, scrutinizing her closely.  

“Oh. Ok.” Felicity paused, feeling a little insulted about being kicked out. Perhaps she wasn’t a part of the team as much as she believed herself to be. She turned back the way she came. “See ya, I guess…”  

“How many girlfriends do you have, exactly?” Helena asked Oliver once Felicity was gone.  

“Like I said... We don’t know where the safe house is.” Oliver told her, ignoring her comment, hoping she would forget about Felicity altogether. “What we do know is that the Marshall service is taking your father to a hearing at the Justice Department tonight. There’s a problem...Helena. There are two vans. And one of them’s a decoy.”  

“Well, it’s a good thing there’s two of us, then.” said Helena.  

“It’s not too late to call this off.” Oliver told her. He knew she wouldn’t back down, but he had to try.  

“I think you know me better than that,” said Helena. “I don’t take prisoners.”  

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Felicity tried to immerse herself in her work, but she couldn’t help thinking about being kicked out of the foundry. 

Admittedly, she hadn’t been working with Oliver and Digg long, but she had started to feel like she was actually part of the team and not just the IT help.

She thought they were building a friendship, but maybe she was wrong. 

And who was that woman in the foundry? Felicity hadn’t liked the way the other woman looked at her. Almost like she was the dirt beneath her shoe. 

She thought back to Oliver's sharp tone and the worried look on Digg’s face. 

Maybe she was taking this too personal. Maybe earlier it hadn’t been about her, but whoever the model looking brunette was. 

Felicity used her spoon to stir her ice cream a little. She gave her head a shake, telling herself to let it go and just enjoy her night in. 

It was easier said than done. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Oliver and Helena were parked over a dark area, waiting for their targets. 

“Just your father,” said Oliver, hating that he was doing this but seeing no other way. “Anyone else gets hurt and I’ll put an arrow in you.”  

Helena nodded, pressing her lips into a tight smirk. “That’s sweet. Now I know how you charmed your cop girlfriend.” 

Oliver clenched his jaw.  

They pulled the visors down on their helmets, hiding their identities, dressed in their leathers. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Helena and Oliver followed behind the two vans. When the vans took different routes, they split up.

Oliver followed the van into the tunnel, winding his way around traffic. He threw a star dagger, taking out the tire, followed by a second one to the back door as it skidded to a stop. The door popped open. It was empty. 

Oliver turned his bike around to catch up with Helena. 

However, he was too late. When he reached the other tunnel. She was cornered by the cops. Lance was making demands of who the Arrow was while McKenna was placing her in cuffs, reading her rights. 

“Damn it,” Oliver cursed under his breath. 

Helena met his eyes but said nothing. He turned his bike around, speeding off. 

Nothing about this was good. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Oliver broke into the police department, creating a diversion, helping Helena escape. He couldn’t risk her revealing his secret. 

She had proven he could not trust her. The only thing that mattered to her was her own agenda. Vengeance above all. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

“Thanks for the save.” Helena told him, in an empty area.  

“I couldn’t risk you telling the police about me,” Oliver told her.  

“Is that the only reason?” Helena asked him. 

Oliver said nothing. 

“Why can’t you just admit... That you still have feelings for me, too?” asked Helena. 

That might have been true earlier, but that was before she hurt someone he cared about. Now he just wanted her gone. 

Oliver pulled an envelope from his jacket, zipping it back up. He held the white envelope out to her.  

“What is it?” asked Helena, looking away from him, not liking the way he was looking at her.  

“A plane ticket to Rome, and a passport so you can start a new life somewhere else,” Oliver informed her, and she looked back at him with a glare. “The police know you’re tracking your father, Helena. You’ll never find him. So get out of my city.”

Helena snatched the envelope from him, watching as Oliver turned, getting on his bike, driving off without looking back.   

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Oliver knocked on McKenna’s door, blinking when she opened it dressed in a silk robe, her hair still damp from a shower. 

“I’m sorry. I should have called.” Oliver apologized.  

“No, it’s--it’s ok. Come on in.” McKenna stepped aside, opening the door wider. 

“Are you sure?” asked Oliver, holding his jacket.  

“Yeah, yeah,” she answered.  

Oliver stepped inside. “Thank you. 

McKenna closed the door behind her and turned to face him. “I’m surprised, but I’m happy.”  

“Yeah?” asked Oliver, uncertain.  

“Yeah. Everything ok?” McKenna asked.  

“I had a really rough night. I just wasn’t anticipating, with my work and the club, I feel like I’m letting everybody down.” Oliver answered. “My family and Tommy and... You. I feel like I’m letting you down.”  

“You’re being too hard on yourself,” said McKenna with understanding. “We both have demanding jobs.”  

“That’s no excuse for hurting the people closest to you,” Oliver responds.  

“No, but when you believe in what you do, you find a way to make it work.” McKenna reasoned.  

“How?” Oliver asked, sounding lost.  

”Well…” McKenna twisted the towel dry her hair in her hands. “The first thing you do is you find yourself someone you never have to apologize to.” She smiled up at him.  

Oliver smiled, taking her hand and leaning in for a kiss. She met him halfway. It was simple and sweet. Thye pulled back, smiling at one another. 

A beat passed between them before they reached for each other, their lips meeting again in a more heated kiss, arms band around one another. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Oliver lowered McKenna to her bed, covering her with his large body, their mouths moving together as he pushed the robe down her shoulder, limbs tangling together in their passion. 

The sound of their moans drowning out the buzz from Oliver’s cell in his jacket that was forgotten on the floor. 

Felicity’s picture flashing on the screen. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Felicity had her back to the door as she spoke into her office phone. “Hey, it’s me. I was multitasking and intercepted a police report. A local sporting goods store just got robbed of one high-powered crossbow. Now... Could be a crazy coincidence or your psycho ex-girlfriend-- Dig’s words, not mine–”

Digg had called her and told her all about Helena and once having the full story Felicity could understand why Oliver had been short with her earlier, it made getting all but kicked out less personal.

“is still in town. I’ll let you know if I learn anything more.” She started to turn to hang the phone up. “In the meantime, just…” she paused, Helena stood in the doorway with her crossbow. “watch your back.”  

“Hi.” Helena smirked. “I don’t think we had a chance to be properly introduced this morning.”  

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Oliver burst into Felicity’s office. “Felicity?”  

“Oliver.” Felicity’s voice shook with a tremor. 

Oliver spotted her panda flats poking out from her desk. He moved quickly and found her tied up behind her desk.  

“Oliver... I’m here.” She said.  

Oliver quickly pulled out a knife, cutting the fabric that kept her ankles together, doing the same with the one around her wrist behind her back. “You ok?” he helped her sit up. “Hey, hey. You ok?” his hand touched her cheek, eyes filled with concern. 

Felicity nodded, the touch of his hand warm and gentle against her skin, calming her racing heart in a way she was aware his presence could. 

The sound of rushing footsteps had Oliver jumping to his feet, ready to throw the knife in his hand. 

Digg stood in the doorway with his gun drawn. “I got your call. What happened?”  

“Helena.” Oliver answered, pulling Felicity to her feet.  

“She wanted the address to the safe house where her father’s being kept. She made me hack the FBI database.” Felicity looked apologetically up at Oliver. “Sorry, Oliver.”  

“Hey.” Oliver placed his hand on her shoulder. “It’s not your fault.” 

Felicity knew his words were true, but it didn’t make her feel any less guilty. 

Oliver moved toward the door as Digg moved further into the room.  

“Oliver, what are you going to do?” John asked him.  

“What I should have done in the first place.” Oliver ground out through a clenched jaw. One looked at Felicity, and his eyes filled with anger.

Helena crossed the last line she was going to cross. 

Felicity looked at John after Oliver’s departure, still shaken, uncertain of Oliver’s reaction.

“Are you ok?” John asked her. 

“I could use a drink to calm my nerves.” She answered honestly. 

“C’mon,” John took her by the arm, leading her out. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Oliver made his way toward the top floor of the safe house and intercepted Helena, who was taking out officers, not caring who she was hurting. 

He fire at Helena. She dodged his arrow and grabbed up a fallen gun and aimed. Oliver used the wall as a shield taking cover. 

Helena continued her pursuit of her father, following back outside. 

Oliver followed. “Helena!”

Helena whipped around, aiming a handgun at him.

Oliver inched closer, bow drawn and pointed.  

Helena walked closer. “You won’t shoot me. You’re not a murderer. Remember?”  

“But you are,” Oliver growled out. “And if I let you go, that blood will be on my hands. I’m sorry.”

Oliver fired his arrow. Helena dropped the gun, catching the arrow before it could pierce her.  

Oliver lowered his bow as Helena exhaled. 

“I practiced that move. I had a feeling I might need it someday.” She looked at him with hurt and betrayal. “You would have killed me.”  

In the next moment, they were engaging in a grappling match, trying to best one another. Ultimately, Oliver got the upper hand. 

Oliver tossed her to the ground. “Enough!” he aimed his bow, knocking an arrow back.  

McKenna came through the back door, gun drawn on Oliver. “Freeze!” she came down the porch steps. “Put it down. Turn around. Slowly.”

Oliver slowly lowered his weapon, placing it on the ground.

Helena cocked her gun, aiming it at McKenna. 

“No!” Oliver shouted. He moved to stop her, but was too late. 

McKenna hit the ground, and Helena started running.

Oliver knelt at McKenna’s side. She was bleeding and unconscious, her body bent at an awkward angle. 

“McKenna?” he breathed.  

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Oliver paused in the hospital hallway, his emotions getting the better of him. He took a moment to compose himself before opening her room door and knocking on the doorjamb.

McKenna, who was looking out the window from her bed, turned her head toward him. She was hooked up to an IV and a heart monitor.

“Hey.” Oliver greeted softly.  

“Hey.” McKenna returned.  

“How you feeling?” Oliver asked, walking to her bedside.  

“Uh, numb,” she answered, trying to move but finding it very difficult.  

“Hey, don’t-- don’t move.” Oliver stopped her.  

“Ok.” said McKenna. 

“I met your doctor.” Oliver told her, taking a seat beside the bed. “He’s a nice guy.”  

“Hmm.” McKenna hummed.  

“He says you’re lucky to be alive,” said Oliver.  

“Yeah. He also said I have a shattered femur, and it’s going to take at least a year to rehab. I loved being a cop,” she said sadly with loss.  

“Oh, come on. McKenna.” Oliver took her hand in his. “You’re still a cop. You have one more surgery, go home–” 

“I’m not going home,” Said McKenna, interrupting him.  

“What?” Oliver asked.  

“I’m moving to Coast City to live with my sister. They have the best physical therapy facility in the country there.” She informed him. 

“I’ll visit.” Oliver assured her. “Hey, I’m a billionaire, right?”  

“Yeah.” McKenna smiled, but there was sadness to it.  

“I’ll move to Coast City.” Oliver continued.  

McKenna chuckled. “That’s very sweet, but... Your club just opened. And your work is here.” 

“Don’t worry about me. It’s my responsibility to worry about you,” said Oliver.  

“Just stop, ok? Listen, you know how I feel about you.” McKenna said sadly. “Please don’t make this harder than it already is.” 

“Ok.” Oliver said. 

A tear slid out of McKenna’s eye, and she smiled. 

“Ok. It’s, uh, it’s whatever you need,” Oliver told her, pushing down his own feelings, sighing quietly to himself as he tightened his hand around McKenna’s. She appreciated his understanding. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

“Hey,”

Felicity looked up at the soft tone to see Oliver standing in front of her office doorway. 

“I would have come by sooner but..” he trailed off. 

“It’s okay. I understand,” Felicity assured him. “How’s McKenna?” 

“She’s moving to Coast City to live with her sister.” Oliver pulled a chair up next to Felicity, much like he had that first day he walked into her cubicle with a bullet ridden laptop. 

“I’m sorry.” Felicity said sympathetically. She reached her hand out, squeezing his arm in support. 

“No,” Oliver shook his head. “I’m sorry. Helena-”

“I’m gonna stop you right there,” Felicity said firmly. “You have nothing to apologize for what happened with Helena and I.”

“But-”

“No buts. We all have that one crazy ex, I mean, there was this one guy from college. He wasn’t my ex, but he was definitely on the crazy side.” Felicity shook her head. She was getting off topic. “My point being. Helena’s actions are not your own. It wasn’t your fault, so don’t blame yourself. I don’t.” 

Oliver could see the truth and her eyes and he felt relief that she didn’t blame him and while he still blame himself, he appreciated that she didn’t. 

“I won’t let her hurt you again,” Oliver promised, and Felicity smiled softly, her hand moving down to squeeze his in thanks. 

“I know.”

The belief in her voice touch something deep inside his chest. He felt a protectiveness come over him that rival the protectiveness he had for his family. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Oliver was sitting alone in the club when Tommy approached him. 

“Hey. I, uh, heard about McKenna. You ok?” Tommy asked.  

“Not really.” Oliver answered honestly.  

“Look, I know that I have been a jerk lately,” said Tommy. He didn’t want to be walking eggshells around his friend. “I just couldn’t understand how you could keep such a huge secret from me. But I-- I never considered the toll it must take on you.”  

“Lying to the people that are closest to me. It’s the hardest part.” Oliver confessed.  

“I get that,” said Tommy.  

Oliver exhaled deeply. “ I was wrong... to think that I could have it both ways; that I could do what I do and still have a normal life. With anyone.”  

“Except if you’re alone, you’re never going to be happy,” said Tommy.  

“Maybe not.” Oliver agreed. “But me being happy isn’t what’s important right now.”  

Tommy wasn’t sure what to say to that, but believing his friend was wrong to a degree. 

No one deserved to be alone.

[mcrcki]

Was that [PENELOPE MITCHELL]? Oh no no, that was just [MARLENE MCKINNON], a [CANON CHARACTER] from [HARRY POTTER]. They are [TWENTY ONE] years old, use [SHE/HER], and [ARE] aware that they are not actually from Washington DC. Too bad they can’t stray from this city for long.

how long has your character been here -

marlene’s been in dc for almost five years now. so while her information says twenty one for plotting purposes, she’s actually closer to twenty six now.

what is your character’s job -

she currently owns a bar with her father, ewan mckinnon! she does enjoy her job but she also feels like she could be doing more with her life. like there is more to her life than just pour drinks all day. i think keep debating the secret service, but everything say “no gun marlene” so. lame. she might end up becoming some kind of teacher too, i think she’d be great at that, but we’ll see.

where has your character been pulled from in their fandom -

marlene is pulled right after she’s died, so late july 1981. her last memory is travers’ killing curse flying at her.

has any magic affected your character -

she’s been brought back from the dead a couple times now, both from england and then after an event. she died in james’ arms during the island event and both of them still refuse to talk about it. trauma just goes away if you bury it , right??? but for now, she’s got her memories and everything is totally cool!

extra information -

alright here’s where i’m going to get wordy and ramble !!! bear with me while i gush about my disaster daughter.

background :

sixth child to maddie and ewan mckinnon, the youngest daughter of the mckinnon children. has a younger brother oliver (we’ll get into that dw), and five older sisters ; marina, abi, esther, cleo, and felicity. marlene is also very much the kind of person to consider her friends her family, so you won’t be able to miss hearing her calling lily, dorcas and mary her sisters.

fully pureblood family, but they are not in the pureblood society. marlene hasn’t asked questions about it. she’s perfectly happy being a blood traitor and wears it with pride.

the family is pretty evenly spilt with houses, considering marlene, ewan and fliss are gryffindor, oliver and esther being hufflepuffs, abi, maddie, marina being slytherin and then cleo being the odd one out in ravenclaw. 

she has an absolute insane phobia of flying and will do everything in her power to never get on a broom. shout out to dad for dropping her off of one at four !

is so fiercely loyal to her family, or at least the ones that she can be loyal to anymore. they’re always her first thought and even though she has her secrets, she thinks that she’s protecting them by keeping them all at arms length.

gryffindor through and through. the absolute epitome of blind bravery and loyalty.

honestly if you had to assign deadly sins to her, she’d be pride without any shadow of a doubt.

will die for her friends. has died for her friends. would do it all over again without a second though.

would be the friend you call to bail you out of jail, but unfortunately she’s probably in jail with you, or is calling you first.

got into way too many fights in school, mcgonagall probably had letters written mad libs style for the mckinnon household in her office with the amount of time she spent in detention.

was the girl to throw the parties in the common room, even if she hated playing quidditch, she loved celebrating a gryffindor win.

had decided very early on into hogwarts that she would be joining the order. she was probably only 13 or 14 when her mind was fully made up. it made it harder for her to focus on school at that point, having done rather poorly on her o.w.l.s outside of dada and charms. she was also mostly focused on dueling club for the majority of school. anything she could do to prepare her for joining she was going to do. why did she need to worry about a job after, there was a war to win.

went into the order the moment she was off the train after hogwarts. she mentored under alastor moody during her time there, having absorbed all she could from him, a second father figure when she started to distance from her own for their safety.

she moved out of the mckinnon manner right as things started to heat up, living fully at headquarters by the start of 1981. it felt safer that way.

she also didn’t want her parents worrying if she didn’t make it home at night, if she was sometimes away for days on end. or showing up battered and bruised after a mission. marlene has always been one to run head first into danger and think about the action later, consequences didn’t have much immediate damage so she never thought to worry about them. it’s unfortunately something she’s still got now even years later. will always act first and think later.

i won’t hurt yall with talking about the mckinnon death again, feel free to read the death para if you’re interested in what went down that night in july. i do have to update it a little with new names and all that jazz but the gist is there lmao

life in dc :

like i said she’s been here for almost five years so she’s gone through a lot.

currently living in a flat on her own, which she doesn’t mind really, but she really misses the comfort of living with so many people. she’s not used to solitude, considering how big her family is, and then living in dormitories, then the order house-- she misses having people around and absolutely crashes at her friends’ homes more than she should so she isn’t alone.

she will say, she’s got some not so great secrets, but she’s trying her best to be more forthcoming with her family and friends. about almost everything.

she has made sure that everyone knows about her brother oliver. the issues marlene is personally dealing with, nothing to worry about. focus on the traitor boy.

oliver, the youngest of the mckinnons, was secretly aligned with the death eaters (for his own reasons that marlene actively ignores because the second she hears death eater her vision goes red). oliver is the reason the death eaters knew marlene would be home that fateful night, and had unknowingly brought down the entire mckinnon line with one comment.

marlene will not forgive this. she can’t. she doesn’t know how. she’s spent the better part of five years blaming herself for everything, for allowing her family to ever be hurt and now knowing that she was not the one to shoulder all of the guilt, she doesn’t know how to really process that.

she couldn’t sleep for weeks at a time, had started to develop a drinking problem, was constantly being eaten away at by her guilt. it’s hard to just switch that off but if she can put that blame somewhere else, she will.

might be why she’s acting out.. see below for that ::

if you have seen anything with marlene you know she’s an absolute queen of getting into situations she should never be in, and putting her foot in her mouth the second she does.

she used to hook up with rita skeeter, she’s fought with rabastan, squared up to bellatrix without a wand, is currently trying to keep travers’ attention on her so he stays focused on her and not her family, and most of those fights were done without a wand in her hand.

she got her ass kicked by bellatrix, who then went and snapped her wand post fight. so. she’s doing great. promise.

she’s gotten it back so it’s FINE but man she really doesn’t want to talk about it. it’s probably the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to her here in the city. 

honestly, marlene has spent most of the time just bottling all of this stuff up, because she refuses to let anyone worry about her and is going to figure out how to fix this without adding any stress to the rest of the marauders. they all have enough to deal with instead of cleaning up after marlene’s dumbassery.

the mckinnon messes are ones she will deal with on her own. even if she doesn’t really know how yet, she’s going to fix it all, or go absolutely insane trying!!!! at least she’s got a good concealer to cover up those dark circles from not sleeping.

right now, she’s just a mess. idk what to tell you. can’t handle herself, will keep getting into fights, because if she shies away from them? they’ll catch on for something being off.

anyways that’s my idiot child im so sorry

connections 

✩ co workers / employees

marlene is the co-owner of a bar downtown with her father, ewan mckinnon, so if you’re looking for a job, feel free to come hit her up with your resume. girl will hire anyone atm, just so she can get a day off

✩ regulars

again, she spends a lot of the time at her job, so she definitely would know people who also are there a ton.

or even someone who just stopped in once or twice and they hit it off

✩ friends !!

friends from when she was unaware, friends from work, from other odd jobs she’s had, people she’s met while out

honestly she’s a huge advocate for friendship and having a lot of them and all that jazz and she is a ton of fun to be around. she absolutely is the kind of person to just adopt friends immediately and bring you into the fold so if you need a friend she’s your gal

✩ any former roommate or a current roommate

marlene has been in the city for nearly four years, and she has moved around the city a few times so she definitely could have had a few roommates.

would love a current one as well!!

would absolutely be down to have had a former roommate and run with that idea. maybe they still live there, maybe they didn’t get along and there’s tension, what have you !!

✩ any marauders era / order characters

listen girl still longs for the vibes of home, has debated restarting the order on her own here, so if you have a character that might be interested please, come hit her up.

she also has big aunt vibes and would 100% be down to take any of the younger gen under her wing. is she chaotic? yes. should she have any kids she mentors? absolutely not. will she do it anyways? you bet your ass.

✩ exes / ex hook ups / flings

marlene has been in the city for over four years now, she is no homebody saint so she absolutely would have been on some casual dates, like friends with benefits kind vibe. open to anyone ( marlene is pan )

[so-caffeinated]

It’s Monday morning, which makes this fitting timing to post (I’m a painfully nostalgic person).

Below you’ll find the link to every single one of my FiCoN files. Planning, brainstorming, feedback, drafts, abandoned ideas, daydreaming… all of it. Some are barely started. Some have a lot of content. Some are just for fun. Many are misfiled (the “unposted” folder didn’t get updated for a bit).

What there is of Schism is in there too. I think you’ll see that it wasn’t working. We bit off more than we could chew there. It involved multiple universes and time travel. The idea had been to bring the original story full circle while also fully handing over the vigilante reins to the next generation. Our Ellie was going to make some very dark choices before being brought back. She was going to be the one to eventually beat Zoom, not original Ellie, making all of her attempts to be like that Ellie sort of pointless. Sara, our Sara, had actually been swapped with the other universe’s Sara some time ago, hence the strain between her and Ellie. Our Sara was being held hostage to control that Sara, which is part of what leads Ellie down a darker path for a bit. Jules was going to valiantly attempt to hold the team together as it split into sides after Ellie killed someone (Waller. It’s ARGUS who has Sara, and ARGUS who funded Domino). Will and Amelia and Alex are horrified. Nate and Connor (who is a bigger fixture in this story) and Eric think it was justified. Jules is just trying to keep things together with the “adults” out of commission (oliver is comatose. Digg and Lyla are badly hurt. Felicity is a mess. Thought she was going to pull it together and call in Moira to “fix this” in truly Moira fashion). Nate’s protective instincts were going to be front and center with all his interactions with his parents (chiefly watching over them), Alex was going to be Jules’ rock in spite of his distaste for Ellie’s actions, and Sara’s whole journey was a love letter to Ellie. Both saras and both Ellie’s. We would’ve seen original ellie one more time too. It was a COMPLICATED story with a lot of darkness in it. Late 2020 was maybe the worst time to attempt writing it, but I can’t say it would be any more manageable today. At this point, I do think it’s best left as a jumble of ideas.

But there’s a lot to explore here. Thanks to @n4r4nch4 and @zouriaf for their permission to post the whole folder. Many of the AU brainstorms are full credit to them. Enjoy!

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DjMuD0Rxi-iy10127GQZkkW4P3oJIO_0

[writey-unicorn]

(Possibly unnecessary) Spoiler warning for most of the first season of Arrow.

So I'm rewatching Arrow after only semi-watching it the first time and I realized something.

Oliver is a sympathetic anti-hero who kills too many people and is far too self-destructive and angsty to be a hero but does too much good to be a villain.

Everyone else is a villain. Let me explain.

So Oliver has spent the last 5 years going through hell on an island with the singular goal of getting off the island and fulfilling his father's last wish of curing his city. He starts exacting his plan and gets caught by Diggle who, after a bit of back and forth and a premature breakup, joins Oliver in his quest. After Diggle joins him his quest changes to deal with some of the symptoms as well as the problem and he focuses even more on the symptoms when Felicity joins. This is all while trying to protect his friends and family and maintaining his public image which is for everyone except the people who know who he is which is (I think) at four and of course dealing with his own issues on the side.

And no one in the show gives Oliver the time or the patience he needs to deal with any of this.

His mother and sister are happy to see him for exactly 30 seconds and then are like, "Why aren't you exactly the way you used to be? Why are you always gone? Why aren't you perfect?" As far as they knew, he had been the sole survivor of an accident and alone for 5 years. He would need more than 30 seconds to get used to society again. Sure, he didn't help them realize this, but you could use your brain and realize that he's going to need more than 30 seconds to get used to people caring about him again.

Laural is also bad but has far more reason to be. That doesn't really excuse her or her unrealistic expectations for him but at least she waited for Oliver to come to her before telling him how disappointed she was in him.

Then you have the people who know.

Felicity probably comes off the lightest mostly from not knowing him very much. She mostly just adds on to other people's disappointment in Oliver. Tommy also isn't that bad but he knows that Oliver has been missing for 5 years, came back completely changed, and is a vigilante. He knows something horrific happened to him and is nowhere near as patient with Oliver as Oliver needs even after Oliver saved his life twice and his father's life once. And yes, Oliver had a hand in the friendship breakup but the man has a laundry list of issues, and, canonically, I doubt he's been home for more than 8 months yet. If he's been gone for 5 years then he deserves at least a year to recover before everyone starts yelling at him for not being good enough.

And then you have Diggle.

Oliver's and Diggle's relationship has always been rocky from the beginning. They've been in the same chapter, but never quite the same page. and yet, Oliver, Oliver "bullheaded, can't apologize to save his life" Queen, more often than not, is the one who changes what he's doing and how he's doing it for Diggle. Also, of the two, Oliver has apologized and reached out to make things right more. For one of the recent episodes, Oliver helped Diggle track down this guy he wanted to kill which Argus was already helping with. Oliver, probably expecting the highly trained Argus agents to not pick the least-defensible meeting spot possible (which they did and yes I'm angry about it) and to be able to deal with one person on their own, had gone after a man who was going to kill a child instead of helping there and Diggle threw a fit for that. And instead of Diggle realizing that he had overreacted and that Oliver had made the choice that he thought was right at the time Oliver apologized and promised to do better. Yeah, I'm mad about that too.

No one in the show holds anyone but Oliver responsible for any relationship he's in. No wonder Oliver ran into the arms of the first person who saw him for everything he was and didn't immediately berate him for not being exactly what she wanted and yes I'm talking about crazy ex-girlfriend, Helena.

[imagines4thefandoms]

Oliver Queen X Wife! Reader

requested: @purpledragon04​

Sorry this took to long i just couldn't think of anything good enough. hope you like it.

Can you do a Oliver queen x reader? where they’re having a gender reveal party

Word count:2456

Warnings: NONE....slight fluff

“What time is it,” William asked shoving a big bite of pancake in his mouth.

“Son, its only 8am,” Oliver laughed at his son’s excitement.

You walked in the kitchen and sat down next to William. Oliver slide over a plate of pancakes and a cup of coffee. After taking a sip you looked at your husband.

“What time is it,” you asked excitedly and nervously.

Oliver and William laughed as your husband walked over to you and places a kiss on your temple while placing his had on your ever growing belly. Today was the gender reveal party that Thea and Facility planned. You and William were excited to find out what the gender of the baby was, while Ollie was just excited to be having a baby with the love of his life. After all the bad in his life he was happy to have this good thing/things.

“Its just another party,” Oliver said taking a sip of his coffee.

“Ollie, your not looking forward to finding out the gender of our baby,” you asked tearing up.

“Sweetheart, I don’t care if we are having a boy or girl. I just want to have a happy healthy baby with the love of my life,” Oliver replied rubbing your back.

Oliver was right, it doesn’t matter if you were having a boy or girl. Honestly, your would have rather stayed home with the two men in your life but if you did Thea would drag you kicking and screaming.

After Oliver calmed you down from your crazy hormonal episode, the three of you finished breakfast. The party wasn’t until noon so there were four hours to kill.  William went back to his room to play some video game while you took an shower and Oliver clean the kitchen.

“(Y/n) you ok,” Oliver asked after you had been in the shower for an hour.

He walked into the bathroom and found you sitting on the floor of the shower crying. He climbed in and pulled you into his arms letting his t-shirt and sweatpants get soaked. Oliver and you just sat there for a couple minutes.

(N/n) what’s wrong,” he asked.

“What if i’m a bad mom,” you asked Ollie looking over your shoulder.

“Impossible, i’ve seen the way you care about William. I know that you will be a great mom,” he responded laughing.

You gave him a small smile and laughed when you noticed that he was soaking wet. Oliver helped you up and out the shower while he got out of his soaking pjs and took a shower himself.  After getting dressed in maternity leggings and a (f/c) T-shirt dress you laid in bed and continued reading the book on your nightstand.

When ollie was done, he got dressed is just jeans and a t-shirt and went to his office t work on some mayoral things. The three of you were doing your separate things til William ran into your room excitingly.

“Its 11:30 come on lets go,” William said basically bouncing off the walls.

When you found out your were pregnant you were worried not about what Ollie thought but about what William thought. You were scared he would think that this baby would be more important to him but when you and Oliver told him he was excited to be a big brother.

After you got out of bed you and William ran, well William ran you wattled, to Oliver’s office. Oliver laughed at the sight of his pregnant wife and son jumping with excitement and telling him to hurry up. He finished looking over the budget for the police (idk what mayors do) and closed his computer.

The car ride there consisted of William going back and forth over either wanting to have a baby brother or sister, and you staring into space imagining your life with a baby boy then again with a baby girl. Spoiler alert both were full of sleepless nights and tears from you. Oliver held your hand and shot down williams dream to play some video game with a little brother.

“William, you won’t be able to play Modern Warfare with a newborn,” he laughed.

When we pulled up to Oliver’s childhood home, Thea, Felicity and Dig came outside and greeted us. Thea walked past her brother and gave you a big hug. Oliver faked a hurt look while Thea ignored him and then went to hug her nephew.

“OMG you’re glowing,” Felicity stated pulling you into a hug.

“I think the term you are looking for is gigantic,” you said returning the hug.

“She’s right (y/n) you look amazing,” Oliver said placing a kiss on your temple.

“You have to say that cause you are coming home with me.”

“No it the truth. You are the most beautiful person in the multiverse.”

“Wow you’re cheesy Mr. Queen. Now lets find out if we are having a little girl or another boy. “

The two of you walked into the Queen Mansion. Moira was standing in the parlor by a table with little paper pins of the supergirl symbol and flash symbols. With a sign that read “will baby Queen be Supergirl or flash?”

“Omg this is too cute,” you said picking up each symbol.

Oliver looked over at his sister and Felicity. Dig laughed at Ollie’s reaction an pined a flash symbol to his shirt. William grabbed a flash symbol then went to hug Moira.

“Whose idea was this,” Oliver asked when you put on a supergirl symbol.

“Ours,” Kara and Berry said walking out of the living room.

“Kara, you’re here,” you exclaimed running or more likely waddling towards your best friend.

“I would never miss the baby shower,” she responded hugging you.

After you grabbed a supergirl symbol which matched the one Kara was wearing and she pulled you into the living room which was decked out in supergirl and flash decorations also pink and blue balloons. There was the famous first picture of Kara flying and a picture of the Flash above the fireplace. All of our superhero friends were here including our DEO friends from Earth-19.  It  was nice seeing everyone when it didn’t involve a worlds ending crisis.

Oliver walked over to you to take in the decorations and the fact that he has to look at a dozen pictures of Barry and Kara. You looked over at your husband and saw that he was wearing a supergirl and flash symbol on his shirt. Before you could comment on the buttons Sara walked into the mansion with the legends.

“Sara, how can someone with a time machine always be late,” you joked hugging her.

“Mick,” Sara replied as an excuse and with that one word you completely understood.

After ten minutes of catching up with Alex, Kara, and Brainy, it was time to play some games. Thea grabbed you and Oliver and brought you two to the front of room. The first game was guess the baby food. Kara and Felicity walked around the room with a plater of baby food jars with no labels and tiny plastic spoons.

After playing guess the baby food, baby bingo, baby birthday pool, and having everyone write wishes for baby queen, and scarfing down three sandwiches, two cake pops and some fruit it was time for the big reveal. Thea directed everyone out to the backyard while Dig and Barry brought out a wooden target with the words ‘Supergirl or The Flash’ in red and blue. There were three black balloons pinned to the plywood. Felicity stood infant of the target and explained that the colors in the balloons will match the superhero costumes so red is for the flash and blue is for supergirl. Thea brought Oliver a bow and three arrows.

“Really speedy,” Oliver asked smiling.

“Its cute ollie,” Thea replied patting his back.

You laughed at how the green arrow is gonna fire an arrow to find out if the baby is “supergirl” or the “Flash”. Oliver wouldn’t admit it cause he is a stubborn bastard but he thought the idea was cute. You went up behind Oliver and wrapped your arms around him and placed a kiss between his shoulder blades.

“Don’t miss,” you teased him.

“You think your cute,” he retorted as you let him go and stood behind him.

“I know I am.”

Oliver shook his head and let out a small laugh as he grabbed an arrow and pulled the drawstring back. Everyone beside William and I were standing three feet behind Oliver watching to see what color explodes from the balloons. Oliver let the arrow fly and it hit the black ballon on the right and white paint exploded. Oliver reloaded the bow and took aim. William and you were anxiously waiting to see if the next shoot would be red or blue. Oliver released the arrow and shot the balloon on the left. The balloon released white paint again. In that moment you mentally cursed Felicity, Thea, and Kara for setting up the reveal like this. The suspense was killing you.

“Babe come here,” Oliver called to you.

You walked over and Oliver handed you the bow. “Sweetheart, you know I cant shoot a bow like you can,” you explained trying to give the bow back.

“I will help you,” he said pulling you back towards him.

Oliver grabbed the last arrow and placed it on the string. He placed his hand over your on the bow and guided your other hand to the string. The two of you pulled the sting back and Oliver helped you relax your shoulders.

“Take a deep breath and focus on the target.”

“You sure you don’t want to do this yourself.”

“Be quiet and focus.”

Oliver helped you correct your position and placed his hands back over yours. You and Oliver took a deep breath and he whispered “Let go” in your ear. The arrow flew across the yard and landed center of the last balloon. Blue paint exploded from the balloon. A girl. You and Oliver were having a girl. You dropped the bow and turned around and wrapped your arms around your husband. William ran over and hugged the both of you.

“Congratulations,” everyone yelled.

Moira and Thea came over to y’all and pulled you and Oliver into a hug. It didn’t matter what color came out of the balloon because you knew no matter what this baby would be loved and protected. I mean her god mother was freaking supergirl.

“You happy,” you asked your husband.

“Yes, now I don’t have to watch you dress my baby in flash onesies,” he said placing a kiss on your temple.

“I can still do that just to annoy you.”

“I guess it will be cool to have a little sister,” William said. You laughed at his reaction and pulled him into a hug.

After a couple minutes, everyone went back inside to finish the party. The party lasted another hour and Moira left to finish some business for Queen Consolidated and the rest of our non-super friends left. Team supergirl, team flash, the rest of team arrow, the legends, and Kate Kane stayed. Since we didn’t have to keep any secrets now we decided to open some presents.

Kara gave us a cute supergirl onesie with a little cape and a bib that read ‘stronger than supergirl’. “Kara this is too cute,” you hugged your best friend again. “Please this is nothing. Im going to spoil her so much.”

Alex gave us a cute teddy bear. “Thanks Alex,” you said giving it a tight squeeze. “Its just like the one my dad gave me when I was younger.”

Jon gave us some martian baby toy. It looked like a block of bedrock. “Its an old martian toy. It can shift to what every toy she thinks about.” “That is really cool Jon, thanks.”

Brainy gave us a cd with classical music to play during bedtime because it has been proven to increase intelligence. “Thank you Brainy.” “It has my favorites. Playing it every night will increase the baby’s intelligence by 45%.”

Kate got us a lot of diapers and pacifiers. “I didn’t know what to get so,” “No Kate this is great thanks.”

The Legends gave us a bunch of baby toys the stole from time. Some from the past and some from the future. “These are really cool.” “This one was from Queen Victoria’s nursery,” Nate explained. “Having these won’t mess up the time line will they?” Oliver asked. “Probably,” Mick said.  “I don’t know,” Nate said.  “No,”Sara said. “We will find out,” ray commented.

Caitlyn gave us a little baby booties/socks that monitor the baby’s vitals when she is sleeping. “Caitlyn this is awesome. Thank you,” “your welcome.”

Cisco build a little mobile with all the our symbols and it played “twinkle twinkle little star” “This is pretty cool Cisco,” Oliver stated spinning it around. “It also can create a protective force field around the crib at the push of this button,” he said handing you a small black remote. “Ok, that’s great. Hopefully we never need it,” you said looking closely at the mobile.

Iris and Barry gave us of course two flash onesies and a little green arrow one too. “Wow thanks Barry,” Oliver said in a monotone. “Come one ollie, these are really cute,” you pleaded holding up one of the flash ones.

Ralph gave us a cute little dinosaur plushie. “Thank you Ralph. This little guy is really cute.”

Thea and roy got us a little pink blanket. “Speedy is that,” Oliver asked.

“Yea mom helped me find it.” “Ollie what is it,” you asked taking the blanket from him. “This is her old blanket. Thea would never go anywhere without it.” “Thea this is so sweet.”

Dig and Lila got us a bunch of baby thing that they said saved their lives with baby Sara. “Trust us you will need these,” Lila explained. “Thanks you guys.”

Felicity got us a bunch of little books. “These are perfect Felicity,” you thanked her.

After presents, Oliver, dig, Barry, and William loaded the car up with all the stuff and the three of you left to head home. The car ride home was quiet; William was playing his video games and you and Oliver just held hands in silence. It was perfect. The silence only broke one time when William commented, “Just so you know I'm not playing dress up or attending a tea party.” You laughed and looked at your husband. The two of you just knew that William will end up doing anything for his little sister.

[filthy-reckless-rp]

♛ Spotted on the Upper East Side…

Name: Felicity Sanderson Pronouns: She/Her Age: 29 years old Hometown: Upper East Side, NY Occupation: Computer Science Teacher, App Developer and Occasional Model Social Status: Insider Faceclaim: Lindsey Morgan

Who Is Felicity?

“I'm young and I love to be young, I'm free and I love to be free to live my life the way I want and say and do whatever I please.”

Why, if it isn’t Miss Felicity Sanderson. You’d just love to know who I am, wouldn’t you? We all know what they say about curiosity but I’ve never been one to discourage scratching an itch. If you want to come and play with me, you might just be in luck. You’ve always been a fan of breaking the rules, pushing buttons and defying, in whatever small way, other people’s expectations of you. You love drama and you hate to be bored- there’s nothing worse, I know. Confidence is key on the Upper East Side and so is commanding respect. You like all eyes to be on you when you walk into the room and for everyone to shut the hell up and pay attention. Again, I can relate. You really do seem to have it all together, Miss Sanderson. You’ve become a somewhat responsible adult. I think things are about to get a little messy though. Speak soon. XOXO ---Gossip Girl

A Little Extra

Felicity Sanderson exudes confidence in everything that she does. It’s in the way she walks, talks and looks (and hers can kill). When it comes to what and who are important to her, Felicity cuts no corners. She’s fiercely protective of her friends and yes, she will totally fight anyone and everyone if you want her to. She has no time for petty people butting into her bestie’s life uninvited thinking they’ll get away with it scratch free. In childhood she met her BFF and kindred spirit, Emmeline Fairchild, and together they reeked havoc on the Upper East Side. Both brought out the best and worst in each other, making their parents silently scream at every turn. Felicity might have grown up a lot since then but she still loves to break the rules when possible. There’s really no excuse for being boring and that’s just a fact.

The Sandersons own a very successful lingerie and swimwear brand that she has modeled for however her true passion is teaching. After finishing school and her training, Felicity became a full-time teacher. Felicity commands respect and won’t be walked over by the Jimmy Choos of the up and coming Upper East Siders. If she’s lucky, she might even end up making a difference in their lives. Felicity has never shied away from gossip so if there’s something being whispered around the water cooler in the teacher’s lounge, she’s going to want to know about it. Instead of causing drama and stabbing each other in the back, she hopes her students will be handing in their homework on time. Dare to dream. She wants to be a good teacher, a successful adult and still have fun with her bestie at the weekend. No one who wears a power suit can be boring, thank you very much. Felicity is a professional who doesn’t shy away from a challenge. Long story short? You don’t mess with Felicity Sanderson or it’s straight to detention.

What Does Gossip Girl Have On Them?

Gossip Girl was a source of amusement for her, a chuckle and eyebrow raise at who was dating who or totally crushing on who. Felicity wasn’t involved in the original “Takedown” but honestly... She really wants to know who the hell they are. Gossip Girl please turn on your location.

Connections

Emmeline Fairchild - the bestie! Love of her life and right-hand woman. Felicity and Em have been joined at the hip their entire lives. There’s nothing Felicity wouldn’t do for her. And yes, she has so noticed Em’s unfortunately timed feelings for her sister’s fiancé.

Oliver Andrews - Oli is pretty much her kiddo. She used to babysit this lil punk and is very protective over him. Felicity isn’t afraid to scrap if the occasion calls for it.

Nick Vanderbilt - Nick and Felicity were the IT couple in their high school days. Their parents had all but picked out the ring when Nick high-tailed it out of there before Felicity could even scoff at the idea.

Aaron Vandervort - the world’s most boring date. Felicity was conned into going to the infamous Fairchild Ball with Aaron and still hasn’t recovered from what a snooze it was.

[jbuffyangel]

The Canary: Arrow 2x05 Review (League of Assassins)

Yeesh there is a lot of Lance drama in the beginning of Season 2. We finally get the backstory on Sara, but it’s the spectacular Oliver and Laurel scene that has me cackling.

Let's dig in...

Sara Lance

They reshot the whole pilot scene between Oliver and Sara only this time, we see what happens to Sara after the boat sinks and she’s swept out to sea. How this woman did not get hypothermia from only wearing a bra and underwear in the North China Sea is beyond me.

This scene just incenses me.  It irks the absolute crap out of me when Sara says, “Laurel is gonna kill me.” Sara says it like she’s borrowing Laurel’s sweater without asking. YOU ARE SLEEPING WITH HER BOYFRIEND.  This destroys a relationship. She’s not going to kill you, but she will absolutely cut contact with you, Sara.

I know he’s pre-island Ollie and he’s just the absolute worst, but the smarmy “Your sister will never know” as he climbs on top of Sara is just so disgusting. I cannot fathom why people would ever want Laurel to be with Oliver after what he did. Forgive him, fine. Date him? Absolutely not.

Okay, the rage is dying down. Hopefully this is the last time we have to watch this scene.

Sara is staying at the Queen mansion, which doesn’t see very covert, but with Moira in jail and Thea sleeping at Roy’s all the time it actually is a good place for Sara to crash. Better than a clock tower at least.

Oliver is still trying to convince Sara to let her family know that she’s alive, but she’s not convinced all family members *cough*Laurel*cough* will be happy to see her. Sara asks Oliver if he ever got back together with Laurel after he returned home.

Oliver: We tried. It’s too much.

Sara: Some things are better left in the past.

After The Gambit sinks, Sara is floating on a door similar to Rose in Titanic when she’s picked up by the freighter.

Source: saralances

We’re all going to pretend the canary landing right next to Sara is not the most obvious foreshadowing in the world. For anyone questioning if Arrow is making Sara their OG Canary – there’s your answer. You know - if the suit, wicked fight skills and sonic weapon didn’t answer it for you already.

The color of the Canary is important though. It’s yellow. Not black. Arrow is drawing a clear distinction between the two. This is an origin story. It’s not Green Arrow and Black Canary. It’s The Arrow and The Canary.

Sara is thrown in a cage on the freighter, similar to Oliver’s current predicament, but Dr. Ivo protects her from the crew members.  He tells Sara he is going to save the human race and invites her to help, so I can only conclude we’re going with Stockholm syndrome in the flashbacks. A twenty something college kid would have very little to offer a mad scientist.

However, Sara’s reticence to return to her family is not related to whatever happened on the island, but rather who she became and what she did to survive AFTER the island. We’re just about to get some details when a man dressed exactly like Malcolm Merlyn comes crashing through a window.  Oliver and Sara fight him, but before we can get any answers the man disappears. This is getting annoying. WILL SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN SOMETHING?

Oliver introduces Sara to his team and we get the iconic first meeting between Sara and Felicity.

Source: oliversmoak

Sara does not want Team Arrow to find the assailant however. She knows exactly who he is. 

Sara: He’s called Al Ow-al, “The First.” And he’s a member of the League of Assassins.

Oliver has a very strong reaction to this revelation so we can deduce Sara didn’t join the Girl Scouts. The League is, you guessed it, a bunch of assassins who kill and vanish like ghost - previously thought to be an urban legend by Diggle. The League rescued Sara after the island, remade her into an assassin and she swore them her allegiance.

Sara left after she killed a local diplomat in Guyana and his children found his body the next morning. She didn’t want to be a murderer anymore, but now The League is coming after her.

Source: laurelscanary

Felicity’s humor and compassion put Sara at ease after her horrifying confession and this is why I love this character.  There’s no judgment from Felicity. She sees Sara for what she is – a person in pain, even if Sara doesn’t see herself that way. Not unlike how Felicity looks at Oliver. And just like Oliver, Sara Lance is SMOAKED.

Source: smoakamell

After Felicity finds Al Ow-al, Sara and Oliver argue about whose fight it is. Sara isn't used to playing with others, but you'd think she'd understand basic strength in numbers. This is the guy who trained Malcolm Merlyn. He stops an arrow with his bare hand while his back was turned!

Al Ow-al: The child of Ra’s Al Ghul awaits your return.

I know who Ra’s Al Ghul is from my Batman days, but in Arrow's world he has a kid. A kid who sent Al Ow-al  to collect Sara alive or dead. This is getting complicated. Is there like an employment flow chart we can follow for the League of Assassins?

Oliver: The League of Assassins. Why wouldn’t she tell me what happened to her all those years?

Diggle: Probably the same reason you didn’t tell us what happened to you on the island.

Wow. This is stunning lack of self awareness. Oliver, in case you haven’t noticed, Sara is the girl version of you.

The League has threatened Sara’s family, so Oliver keeps watch over Laurel. Felicity calls Detective Lance to convince him to leave town - while promising Sara to not reveal she's alive.

Source: @noone-seesyou-likeido

Unfortunately, Lance does not listen to Felicity, so Sara decides her secret is not more important than her father’s life. Finally, she is seeing some sense. Diggle, ever the loyal solider, offers to go with as back up, but Sara continues to have this thing about fighting on her own. I guess being an assassin is a solitary job. This does give us one of the best bad ass Sara Lance speeches ever, however.

Sara: Dig, you may be a three tour Special Forces veteran, but I was trained by the people that make the Special Forces look like a kindergarten class. So step aside or get put down.

The reunion between Lance and Sara is all we hoped it could be. It’s not every day your kid comes back from the dead, but Paul Blackthorne does a phenomenal job of moving from shock and disbelief to overwhelming joy.

Source: laurelscanary

Quentin wants answers, but he’s careful not to spook Sara who is still reticent to give details. They go through the nuclear bomb that was set off in their family (the divorce, the alcoholism).  Sara apologizes for the damage she caused, but Quentin insists he was to blame, which is more proof he is a really good dad.

He can clearly see his daughter has changed. She speaks Chinese now and is ready to fight to the death with a butter knife. He pieces together Sara is the woman in black; she knows Felicity, The Arrow and is wrapped up in this League that’s after both of them. How this man has not put together Oliver Queen is The Arrow I will never understand.

Quentin: If these assassins, if they hadn't shown up, would you have ever let us know that you were alive?

Sara: No.

Well, at least she’s honest. Sara promises Lance that she never forgot who she was or him despite staying away for so many years.

Source: OILVERSQUEEN

She takes her father to the clock tower which she’s outfitted with booby traps for when the League comes for them both. Sara and Lance hold their own against the assassins, but when The Arrow arrives they achieve the upper hand. Sara has no problem breaking Al Ow-al’s neck, but allows one assassin to live to warn Ra’s Al Ghul.

Sara: Tell Ra’s Al Ghul that my family is off limits. His quarrel is with me.

She is ashamed to show Quentin who she has become – a killer.

Source:  sohpiabush 

But Quentin feels only pride. How little children understand the depth of a parent’s love. We have already forgiven anything you’ve done or may do the moment you are born.

Quentin: I think you’re a survivor. I think you’re one of the bravest people I’ve ever known. You’re my daughter.

Sara leaves town to lead the League away from her family and Quentin agrees to keep her secret. He will not tell either Laurel or Dinah that Sara is alive because it would get them killed… or something.  The logic is not logical, but I don’t really care. They’ll hold the “Laurel finds out Sara is alive” card for May sweeps.

Source: @laurelscanary

This is not the last we will see of Sara Lance. The Canary’s story is just getting started.

Oliver and Diggle

Despite Oliver's spectacularly hypocritical statement about Sara and honesty, there is serious emotional growth this episode. Oliver making this statement about forgiveness a year ago would have been unthinkable. He did not return home with any hope of being forgiven or even welcomed back. I'm going to give the Lance family a shoutout because they had the most to be angry about with Oliver. He asked both Laurel and Quentin for forgiveness and they each have extended olive branches at various time. Hell, Laurel was ready to get back together with him. So, the fact he's able to offer the same hope to Sara is really a full circle moment.

Source:  anissagraces

Oliver beginning to believe he is worthy of forgiveness is a direct result of the many hours of therapy with Diggle and Felicity. He is finally starting to really hear them. That's why this moment with Diggle at the end of the episode is truly note worthy.

Source: NUGETAE

Diggle should have this date embroidered on a pillow because it's not often Oliver will admit he was right. But Oliver is not done yet.

Source: COPHINES

He breaks out some Russian vodka and confesses to Diggle he was not always on the island the five years he was gone. Oliver is ready to unburden some of the secrets he works so hard to keep buried.

Source: laurelscanary

Oliver is able to see his own demons reflected in Sara and it finally connects the dots for him. He doesn't have to remain isolated in the world like Sara. Oliver can see Diggle (and Felicity) reaching out to him and he FINALLY reaches back. This is monumental character growth.

Sara: You three are quite the team.

Diggle: We have our moments.

Why Diggle and not Felicity? I think it's easier for Oliver to tell his war stories to another solider. He also doesn't have any fuzzy bunny feelings towards John, which makes things simpler between them. But every time Oliver opens the door to the past, and shares his pain, he is one step closer to the future he truly deserves.

Laurel Lance

Laurel is sitting second chair in Moira Queen’s prosecution, which is actually an INSANE CONFLICT OF INTEREST. Marc Guggenheim, you are a lawyer sir. What is this nonsense?  

Never fear! Laurel has used all her pull to get Moira a plea deal - life with the possibility of parole. Understandably the Queen family isn’t thrilled. It’s either life or the death penalty.  Laurel even discussing Moira’s case with Oliver is improper ex parte contact. She should be excluded from the case and sanctioned, but this is Arrow and that’s never going to happen.

In the middle of all of this, Oliver continues to ask if Laurel is okay. She is trying to kill your mother, Oliver. I feel how this is impacting Laurel shouldn’t really be your top concern. He is so exhausting around her. Take the hint, my dude. She doesn’t want your help and I’m tired of you two having the same fight episode after episode.

But this episode is not just another round of the same old some old. No, my friends this is a very special episode because it contains one of the best Laurel and Oliver scenes to ever grace our television. Oliver needs to protect Laurel from the League of Assassins, so he takes her out to dinner. Then he walks Laurel back to her apartment (because assassins) but she thinks he’s come up for a very different reason.

And OLIVER REJECTS HER.  The way I cackled.

I’m going straight to hell, but I don’t care. This moment is glorious. First of all, Laurel did not have a drink at dinner, so she can’t blame the booze and pills. She just flat out reads the situation wrong. Oliver apologizes for sending a mix signal, but he’s a bit confused. Didn’t they decide they shouldn’t be together out of respect for Tommy? Yes, Oliver. Yes you did. WHAT ABOUT TOMMY, LAUREL?!! This woman did not deserve that man.

Source: ILOVEKCASSIDY

Me:

Oliver promises Laurel he will never leave her and has certainly made every effort to help her, but it is the capacity in which he will stay in her life that is really in question. This moment is HUGE in terms of where Oliver is at emotionally. He is drawing a firm line in the sand. There was a time when Oliver would’ve welcomed Laurel trying to climb him like a tree no matter the circumstance, but not anymore. He clearly states that he cares about Laurel but only as a friend. His concern has no romantic undertone to it.

The balance of power in their relationship has always been tipped toward Laurel. This is the first time it feels like a more even playing field. Instead of Laurel rejecting Oliver – he is rejecting her and for a very good reason. Oliver is not stoned on pills and he remembers they don’t work. They tried to go back and it failed. Oliver has not interest in trying again. For the first time, Oliver is looking forward.  

And Laurel, cemented in the past and alone her in apartment, takes some pills.

Stray Thoughts

This secret Moira is keeping is a real humdinger if she’s ok with life with the possibility of parole.

Oliver and Thea promise Moira that she will not lose them no matter the secret. Sure Jan.

"Gee I didn't get you a bag of dirt." Bless this cupcake.

Where did Sara get her suit?

Malcolm Merlyn is also a member of The League of Assassins.

"Oliver’s lucky to have you both as friends. He hasn’t always had the best of luck in that area." Sara’s not so casual remarks about Slade and Shado are friggin ominous. It’s time to get real nervous about the flashbacks.

“You think because you are the beloved that you will be granted your freedom?” We all know who Sara’s beloved is and I’m very much looking forward to her arrival.

"Pain and I came to a little understanding a few years back." Sara takes a licking but keeps on kicking. This is such a bad ass line. The episode is chalk full of them. I love the OG Canary.

Listen to the Watchover podcast reaction to 2x05!!

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[theweekinarrowfic]

Completed Arrow Multichapters on AO3, June 2022

NOTE: I’m now crossposting to https://theweekinarrowfic.dreamwidth.org. Also, I'm looking for volunteers to test out my fic recommender! Need more Arrow in your life? Why not try one of the multchapter fanfics recently completed by our talented fic writers?

Olicity

Daughter of the Demon by Dweb08, laxit21 (Oliver/Felicity, 120/120, 2022-06-02) - What if in 1988 while traveling through Las Vegas Ra's al Ghul bumps into a nice waitress named Donna Smoak and they have one-night stand together? A little bundle of joy named Felicity Smoak is the result. In 2014, the Demon Head becomes aware of his youngest daughter's existence.

Love is above all things. by aphrodite161701 (Oliver/Felicity, 30/30, 2022-06-18) - Oliver Queen is with the Argus Agency. Five years ago, during a assigment, her partner, Felicity Smoak, was killed by the Hive Group. Now he must protect Meghan Kutler, an amnesiac woman, that Damien Darkh wants back. Who is this woman? What exactly does Darkh want. Why is he pursuing her ? Follow me through that story and get answers. Oliver is not the arrow... Tommy’s alive.

Love Never Dies by SG1Lover14 (Oliver/Felicity, 5/5, 2022-06-13) - Felicity has a secret. Multiple secrets. Will Oliver and the team find out? What will their reactions be?

Other Arrow Ships

Making A Better Future by ArrowverseFan833 (Laurel/Oliver, 72/72, 2022-06-28) - This is the sequel to Specter of Oliver Queen. Oliver is now on his way home from his five years in hell to protect his city. Little does he know that all of his friends know his secret and are going to be there to help him with his mission. Hopefully his friends can help him change things for the better of his city and his life as well.

unravel me by Bekka911 (Oliver/OFC (Tommy's sister), 36/36, 2022-06-20) - ""...and she knew that the Oliver that had come home to them was not the same Oliver that had gotten on that damned boat."" Cali Merlyn had a rough five years after the death of her best friend. Now, she works in the Starling Public Library and lives in a quaint little apartment she can easily call her own. She's getting better, she knows she is, but then Oliver returns and things spiral once more. Now, she has to deal with a new vigilante who uses arrows, her brother chasing after Laurel Lance, and her own suspicions of Moira Queen. All because Oliver Queen got on that goddamned boat five years ago.

New Earth: Arrow by DarkShado (Laurel/Oliver, 49/49, 2022-06-25) - My name is Oliver Queen. After giving my life to create a new multiverse, I was given a second chance, not only at life, but to correct my mistakes and save those I lost before. I am the Paragon of life and the Spectre, but most importantly, I am once again, the Green Arrow. Lauriver pairing. part one of New Earth saga. *Adopted from Lauriverfanboy1*

The Beginning of the Age of Heroes by ArrowverseFan833 (Laurel/Oliver, 32/32, 2022-06-09) - Oliver, Barry, Kara, Laurel, Sara, and Thea are all trapped on Lian after going on the Queen's Gambit to have a celebration. See how the team becomes the heroes that the world will need them to be in the future. (The group is all from Starling City. Kara is taken in by the Queens and Barry is taken in by the Lances.)

Karry Universe: Aquawar- Stuck in the Flux by KarryCoMaster, KarryMaster (Barry Allen/Kara Danvers, Laurel/Oliver as side pairing, 12/12, 2022-06-19) - Kara Allen is finally pregnant with Kent, but unfortunately for Rip she's now pregnant during the Aquawar. A war with Atlantis and time is now in flux and Rip and family are stuck in the flux

A Selective Gathering: Legend by ArlyssTolero, Nyame (Moira/Walter, 93/93, 2022-06-06) - A select group of individuals are brought to the Vanishing Point by The Spectre to learn how the future will unfold with Oliver Queen being sent back in time to prepare the world for the Crisis on Infinite Earths by reading "The Legend of the Green Arrow."

Strong by lilbluednacer (Roy/Thea, 4/4, 2022-06-13) - Thea isn’t weak anymore. But when she starts working for Team Arrow she learns how strong she really is.

The Hot Mess That is the Doctor’s Family by Lupin_and_Tonks_Forever (Malcolm-centric, 13/13, 2022-06-27) - What if Malcom Merlyn was actually Jack Harkness? And Rip Hunter was Rory Williams? And Sara Lance’s mom was really River Song? Well you’re about to find out. This started as a fix-it fic where Amy and Rory and Ianto live. And then it just spiraled from there. And I’m just ignoring that Lenny also died. Of course trouble ensues and where there’s trouble there’s the Doctor. There shouldn’t be any spoilers for Thirteen or the end of Twelve’s season. Also I literally stopped watching Arrow after season 5 and all of the other DC tv shows at that time too. So like I literally have no idea what is going on in canon there so I am just ignoring literally everything beyond that point. I do know that Constantine comes back at some point and so does Hartley. Also if you haven’t watched the Doctor Who episodes “World Enough and Time” and “The Doctor Falls” I would recommend you do that. There aren’t any spoilers but it would definitely add a lot more context to my fic.

Green Arrow: Full Circle by DarkShado (Laurel/Oliver, 4/4, 2022-06-25) - Team Arrow is Back in Buisness! After the Thanagarian Invasion, Team Arrow is back in Star City dealing with the everlasting crime and insane criminals

Free Game, Fun For Some But Not For All. by Acernusaurus (Sara/Ava Sharpe, 21/21, 2022-06-22) - No one knows what happened that night in the Queen family manor. And, cool as it might be, Ava Sharpe doesn't really expect to find out when her friend Nate buys the place. Who would have thought that game night would have the answer to one of Starling City's weirdest mysteries. A Jumanji (1995) AU

A Selective Gathering: Dawn by ArlyssTolero, Nyame (Moira/Walter, 75/75, 2022-06-21) - Those brought to the Vanishing Point by The Spectre to read the future decide to continue reading, beginning to read "The Dawn of the Golden Age."

Weak by lilbluednacer (Roy/Thea, 4/4, 2022-06-12) - When Thea can’t handle the guilt of what she did, it’s up to Team Arrow to save her from herself.

Black Canary: Rebirth by ArlyssTolero, Nyame (Laurel/Oliver, 19/19, 2022-06-21) - One moment, Laurel Lance is seizing on her hospital room bed, the next instant, she’s falling out of bed in her apartment eight years in the past. How is this possible? Who has done this to her? Laurel doesn’t know, but after taking stock of her life, both as it was in the future and as it is now, Laurel decides she doesn’t want to continue down the same path as before, a path that led to her death at the hands of a deluded man-child. With nothing but her clothes and a few personal belongings, Laurel flees Starling City and the coming years of supervillains, heading for her hometown of Gotham City, unaware that Gotham could now easily be considered the Supervillain Capital of the World. There, Laurel learns who she truly is, and the Black Canary shall rise from the ashes to make criminals everywhere tremble in fear of her name.

Dream Walker a Tale of Adventure and Sex by AvengingMikaelsonsLover (Original Female Character/Various, including Ricardo Diaz/OFC, 23/23, 2022-06-20) - Okay so.... this is an Old story off my hard drive it was written 5-14-2019. A Dream walker story this is the first of this type of story

United we stand, divided we fall by Bl4ckHunter (Oliver/Natasha Romanoff, 9/9, 2022-06-11) - An attempt of Tony Stark and Bruce Banner at creating a peacekeeping program Ultron backfires, so the Avengers, Oliver Queen and Barry Allen have to stand together against Ultron, despite the struggles that threaten to divide the entire group as they also face new enemies and find new allies.

Second Try by Linzero (Barry Allen/Leonard Snart, Oliver/Felicity as side pairing, 20/20, 2022-06-10) - After Barry is sentenced to imprisonment in the Speed Force, he is able to see how his life might have played out if he'd just made a few different choices. When Team Flash opens a portal to help him escape, Barry just can't resist the temptation to try a do-over. The starting point to fix Barry's mistakes? Ferris Air. If Barry can make the tiniest change to how it all went down, maybe he can save his loved ones and his future. But tiny changes can snowball, and there might be room in his definition of loved ones for a few enemies too.

Desperation. by Batwoman2019 (Kate Kane/Reagan, Oliver listed as character, 3/3, 2022-06-09) - There's so much some people can do when it comes around to being jealous. But what happens when Sophie shows she's jealous of not just Reagan but also her's and Kate's little girl. Will Sophie get what she wants or will she lose it all in the end.

Called Out In The Dark by SevenMinutesToMidnight (Barry Allen/Oliver, 14/14, 2022-06-09) - It starts when a green hooded vigilante appears. It's clear that he's targeting the corrupt upper echelons of Starling City and righting the wrongs Barry knows that the SCPD have failed to. From there, Barry is not sure if his life is going up or down hill, but it's certainly going somewhere even if it’s not really making sense anymore.

[seriouslyobsessed]

Fanfiction Recommendations

Miscellaneous

Reylo

• There's Nothing Left (but mouth-to-mouth combat) By no_big_deal

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28017900

Rey hasn't been able to defeat Kylo Ren with a lightsaber. So when she hears about "mouth to mouth combat," she's got to give it a try.Because you never know, it just might work.

Game of Thrones/A Song Of Ice And Fire

Braime

•To Get It Right By CatelynTsukino

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27170077

It's over; the Night King has won. The sun never rose again, and the world has been destroyed by the army of the dead.Only six people stand now, and there is only one solution: to go back in time and fix all mistakes.

•viva las vegasjanie By tangerine

https://archiveofourown.org/works/18154682#main

“Yeah,” Tyrion says, sounding fairly perplexed, “please give me some updates here because Cersei has been screeching about Jaime being in Vegas with some kind of whore for the last hour or so but no one has really got the details. The fuck?”Bronn tries to not laugh his ass off. “Nah, that wasn’t a whore. She was this girl your brother chatted up at a bar. They got pleasurably drunk together, they liked each other, she apparently couldn’t stand Cersei treating him like shit on the phone and told her off, and now they’re getting married.”“Interesting, now — wait, what?”“He’s marrying her.” Or: in which both of them meet in Las Vegas and it's love at first sight.

•I love you in this way (because I do not know any other way of loving but this) By Roccolinde

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28454334/chapters/69725541

A dinner at Riverrun sends subtle ripples through Jaime and Brienne's lives.

• Who Does She Belong To? By Julieoftarth (Wherethereissmoak)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13501208

A visitor from the future reveals more than they expected.

•The Treaty By MotherofFirkins

https://archiveofourown.org/works/1144961/chapters/2317977

The Lannisters accept Robb Stark's peace terms, dooming Jaime Lannister to life as a hostage at Winterfell. 

•Brienne the Bold By Julieoftarth (Wherethereissmoak)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22667914/chapters/54179140

Jaime is coming home from his life of squiring for a visit, curious to see who this Brienne is that Tyrion said is protecting him these days. Brienne takes one look at Jaime and her life goals become significantly altered.

Lyanna x Jaime

•Heavy is the head that wears the crown By CatelynTsukino

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25711189/chapters/62429077#workskin

"The young man’s wide eyes confirms his suspicions: for him, the crown won’t be a prize, but a punishment."For killing the Mad King, Jaime Lannister is crowned King of Westeros.(It falls on him to deal with the Others.)

Arrow

•palms, softly opening By Chill_with_Penguins

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24186352

“Hey, guys, we have some guests,” Felicity says, spinning around in her chair. Oliver and Diggle straighten up immediately, both fingering their weapons as they scan the perimeter, looking for some villain who’s infiltrated the Lair and taken her hostage. Instead, they see Oliver’s friends and sister standing in the corner, arms crossed and looking unimpressed.“Really? This is what you’ve been doing with your time, Ollie?” Laurel asks. “I mean, I get different coping mechanisms, but vigilantism is a felony."---On my computer this story is titled "A world in which people learn from their mistakes, communicate like actual fucking adults, and understand that family is what you make it."(I guess I wrote Arrow domestic fluff?)

Arthur x Merlin x Gwen

•In Love and War By rainbow_writer

https://archiveofourown.org/works/10776159/chapters/23901342

Armed with his newly restored magic, Merlin arrives at the Battle of Camlann, intent on finding Arthur. Blinded by hatred, Mordred is unaware that the King's greatest protector is near, allowing for Merlin to alter the events which had been foretold by the Disir. Canon Divergence. Eventual Merthur / Polyam Fic.

[olivarryprompts]

Fanfic Friday #8

Welcome to Fanfic Friday! Each Friday I will post a new fanfic here and on A03. Enjoy x

Read and save it on A03 here https://archiveofourown.org/works/32602807

{ur still my boy}

Ship: toliver (tommy/oliver)

Warnings: swearing, canon typical violence, oliver’s ‘death’ to Ra’s

Wc: 2,564

One:

“Oliver! Ollie oh my god you- What happened?” “Nothing, just a- a mugger.” “A mugger! Did you really ditch Mr. Diggle again? This is why you have security. I though five year on some island what make you a little less of a dumb fuck!” “Alright, what? That’s a little intense.” “A little intense? Are you kidding me right now?” “No, what. Why are you here anyway?” “The club, we need to talk about it. But, not that’s not the point.” “Why not? Seems like an important conversation. “ “Oliver stop!” “Stop what?” “Pretending.” “Pretending? About what?” “God Oliver,” he said, falling onto Ollie’s desk chair. Oliver was perched on the edge of his bed. “I’m fine, it’s fine. I don’t understand why you're fussing over this.” “BECAUSE YOU DIED OLLIE!” “I-” A silence fell upon them. “You died, and I had to deal with that, and it’s something I never want to have to deal with again.” “Tommy, I know but it’s the world. The real world. And it’s not always going to be safe.” “I know that, I know, but ditching your security, Ollie. Why? I just don’t understand it.” “I-i can’t explain. You just need to trust me. I can take care of myself.” “Last time I let you care for yourself, you died! You get that right. You get that I never want to let you out of my sight ever again because I’m scared.” “I survived on an island for five years, I can handle Starling City. Trust me.” “That doesn’t mean that if a bullet flies through your heart you won’t die!” “Tom-” “No. “Don’t, don’t do that.” “I love you, everyday on the island I wanted to come back. To come back and say the thing I just said.” “What do-” “I love you, stupid. For real.” “You mean-” And they had a long overdue kiss. And some more.

“You really know how to divert a conversation,” Tommy said, into Oliver’s bare chest. “It’s one of my strong suits,” he smiled.

Two:

“Hi Ollie,” he said, from a chair in the Arrowcave. “Tommy! How did you get- how did you find!” “Your excuses were getting pretty lame, and you know we both own this club.” “Yeah but-” “You’re the arrow.” “I’m- yeah.” “God Oliver, you are so shit a lying.” “You’re not mad?” “Mad? Are you joking? I’m so- everything. How the hell could you keep this from me? ME?” “For your safety,” he replied calmly. “My safety, what if I know your secret, I’m in danger. That’s not how the real world works. I don’t understand you.” “I had to. My father,” Oliver stopped. “What did your father say?” “I have plans okay.” “Beyond just, just murdering people.” “Collateral damage, plus I only kill when necessary.” “It was you. That day we got kidnapped.” “Yes-” “Why? You should have told me.” “What, what so you can hate me from now on!” “I could never hate you, it’s you.” “But you hate the Vigilante.” “But I trust Oliver Queen, or I did before you kept the biggest secret possible.” “HOW DO YOU NOT SEE I WAS PROTECTING YOU!” “Because why would me, one person knowing, change anything!” “The people I am going after are dangerous and powerful, so if you are close to me you will be targeted. If you know, that will make you even closer.” “You understand that that makes no sense.” “Whatever, you know now.” “Why don’t you trust me?” “Tommy, that is just fake! You know that I trust you with everything in me. I trust you to see me!” “You lied about your scars.” “That was all true,” he said, putting his head in hands, “I only left out parts about me becoming the arrow. I- truly Tommy, I thought you were going to pieces together. From my story to the arrowhead rock to the timing of my return.” “You were telling me,” he said, with realization. “Yeah I tried.’ “You could have just told me.” “Should have, yeah.” “Oliver! I-” “Why are you still upset?” “Because because-” Tommy slammed the desk. “Tommy, if you’re still worried about me getting hurt, clearly I can handle myself.” “I know but- a knife will still kill. Playing fucking superhero will get you killed!” “No, it doesn’t have to.” “I can’t Oliver, I can’t. Why, please, I-” Tommy started crying. “I can’t quit this. It’s too important.” “No Oliver, your life is too important. It’s too important to me because I’m sure, I’m certain you're my last, and I’m not losing you.” Oliver brought him into his arms, and kissed his head. “I swear to you, I’m not going anywhere.” “I can’t, I don’t want you to go out every night and risk death.” “Rules, we’ll make rules, whatever you want. To keep me safe and you happy.” Tommy just held him tighter.

Three:

“When’s the last time you slept?” Tommy said, approaching their breakfast counter. He placed a kiss on Oliver’s cheek. Oliver was staring at his computer, working on mayoral plans. “A while back.” Tommy rolled his eyes knowingly. Yet another late night Arrow mission that ended with an all nighter. “Oliver.” “Tommy.” “You need sleep to function as a human being.” “No not really,” Oliver smiled, switching his attention to the other man, “Green arrow.” “Ollie please, I hate you being tired because then you do stupid shit as the mayor and even dummer shit with a bow an arrow.” “Since when do I do dumb shit?” “We are talking about the same Oliver Queen right? The one who pissed on the police officer?” “Oh please come on, not the childhood.” “You were eighteen, Ollie,” Tommy smiled fondly. “If we’re sharing embarrassing stories-” “Shut up,” he said, digging his head into Ollie’s shoulder. He wrapped an arm around Tommy and then went back to looking at his computer screen. “Hey, you avoided the point.” “Yes, yes I did.” “You don’t need to be in to work till 10 today. We have a great opportunity to get two hours of sleep here, babe, and it’s quite enticing.” “You have a company to run.” “I also have an Oliver Queen to tend after.” Oliver scoffed, “I don’t need tending after.’ “Clearly,” he replied sarcastically, “Please for me. I know you're tired. Rule #3” “Really now? You’re playing the rules card. I’m not even tired, T.” “Come on, I’ve known your tired face since we were five.” “Fine. Rules are rules.” “Really?” “Yes only if I’m little spoon.” “Done deal!” Tommy grabbed Oliver’s hand, and dragged him into their bedroom.

Four:

“The plan is to break into the Argus facility whilst the state of emergency has been turned on due to the prisoners being released. Of course, they will stay contained in their cell block just not the individual cell. From there we can get Bloodine out of there, and force him to give up all the information he’s been given on the new Argus protection.” Tommy had entered the arrow cave moments before, unnoticed by Oliver. “Hey,” he said, joining them in the center of the room. “Hi,” Ollie whispered to him, giving him a kiss. “Hi Tommy, what brings you down to our humble abode?” Felicity questioned. “Just needed to drag Oliver home, remember we have the Merlyn Global Charity Gala tonight,” he only half made up. “That’s on Thursday,” Oliver remembered. “If you know when it is, why are you always so goddamn late for everything!” Tommy jokes, kinda. Felicity and Diggle sensed the tension, “We have to- uh, go over there,” Diggle awkwardly covered. “They did the thing, so started talking,” Oliver told Tommy. “Fine, fine. I’m vetoing this mission for you.” “This is a standard mission,” Oliver said with a sigh, “It’s not unsafe.” “Yes dealing with a mass murder who has slipped through your fingers a number of times is not dangerous at all. And, who has beaten you in a fight previously.” “Won’t happen again.” “How are you so sure about that?” “I am. I get it, you're scared, but this one is important. It’s the difference between the city blowing up and it now blowing up. We’re talking millions of lives here.” “I know, I-” “I’ll be careful.” “Rule #1.” The sacred rule one, which Tommy, in four years of dating, has only used a single other time. “Tommy you can’t. Not this one.” “The rules are the rules.” “Not this time, no. I- it’s too important.” “Oliver, do you not remember that your missing being so important was the whole basis of creation of the rules!” “Tommy, I can’t deal with this right now.” “Can’t deal with-” Tommy turned his back on Oliver, “Yeah, you know what. Go and get your stupid ass killed. And do not think about stepping foot in our apartment if you take on the mission!” Oliver was at a loss for words as his better half stopped off.

Later that evening Tommy made an important call. “Hi Barry, I need you to do me a favor.” “Anything, you know I owe you one.” “Thanks. There’s this mission that Ollie’s idiotically going on. It’s bloodline-” “The one he lost a while back.” “Yeah.” “Give me the details. I’ll watch out for all of them.” “Ok, so-” Tommy described the mission and sent him the plan he’d downloaded on his phone with some Merlyn Global tech he indefinitely borrowed.

As soon as he got word that they’d returned, he made his way to the Arrowcave. “Thank you Barry,” he said, giving the other a hug. “Anytime, good thing I was there too. Bloodline nearly bombed the place secretly, and would have killed anyone in the building. The guy’s smart,” he said, only slightly gravely. Oliver was standing there looking guilty. As soon as Tommy heard that, he launched himself into Ollie’s arms. “God you idiot, you almost died. Stupid. God, I love you, please listen to me next time.” “I’m sorry, I’m-” “It’s okay. I got you. You might be the green arrow and all, but you're still my boy first.” Oliver just smiled.

Five:

Tommy curled into Oliver’s side, and said,” You are not going back to that island, not without me.” “I don’t want to take you there.” “Why?” “It’s horrible and the worst memories of my life exist there-” “You trust me?” “Yes.” “Then listen when I say, I know you. I know many of those memories, and if there are worse terrors it will not change how I see you. It will not change how much I love you.” “It will though. Some of the things I had to do and some of the things that were done to me, they are truly awful.” “I can swear to you it will not. And we can talk. I can tell you how I’m feeling and what I’m thinking. It’s this great thing called communication.” “Shut up.” “Ok. Fine, only if you take me on the island.” “Tell me why you want to come so bad.” “You're so oblivious sometimes, it's adorable.” “Nothing about me says adorable Thomas.” “Thomas huh? Everything about you is adorable. Have you seen your face when you're happy, it’s the cutest thing in the world.” “Whatever you say. You’re such a sap.” “I am. And the reason I want to go is because of what you said. The worst memories of your life exist there.” “Yes and?” “It will be, if not close to, physiological torture returning there. If you haven’t noticed, I’m a tad protective of you.” Ollie rolled his eyes, “Of course I’ve noticed. I also know that I’m fairly mentally strong at this point.” “That doesn’t mean you don’t need a reminder that you no longer exist in those memories. A reminder that you live here. That you have a team that loves you and a boyfriend who loves you even more. And we live together in a wonderful apartment, and have some, might I say, wonderful sex and-” Oliver laughed, “I get your point, thanks, love.” “So?” “Yeah.” “Yeah I can come or yeah we have great sex.” With a smile on his face he said, “Yes you can come. Might need a refresher on the second part, though.” “Do you, now? I think that can be arranged.” They both started laughing, and then kissing. “Thanks,” Oliver whispered moments later. “Anytime, you’re my boy after all.”

+1:

He let him go. Well, no, he didn’t. He didn’t know, no one told him. Oliver didn’t tell him. What kind of stupid motherfucker goes and fights Ra’s al Ghul and doesn’t tell his fiance.”

He crashed into his father’s home, “MALCOM!” Malcolm seemed to be praying in his sparring room. “Hello son, it seems as though you’ve started using my name once more. What have I done this time?” “YOU LET OLIVER GO AND FIGHT RA’S AL GHUL.” “One does not ‘let’ Oliver Queen do anything. You of all people should know that.” “Stop with the cryptics, this is my fucking fiance we’re talking about.” “It was his choice.” “It was- I? Please just, is he alive?” “Likely no. These battles are to the death and Ra’s al Ghul-” “I’m not asking for your opinion, I’m asking for proof. His body, a sword, blood.” “I know a place that could tell you that information, I shall go. I mean no harm to you, son.” “No harm, no harm,” Tommy chuckled. “Come, I’m having tea, then I shall leave.” “Tea? Tea? Do you not remember when mum died? No course not, you are an apathetic killer. My fiance is, is missing and you want me to have tea with you. God, you really are a joke.” “I am doing you a favor here, Tommy.” “THIS IS YOUR FAULT.” “Do you really believe that? Or are you blaming me because you blame yourself. I-” Tommy was walking about before Malcom could end his sentence.

When Malcom returned with the sword, Tommy fell to his knees, tears filling his eyes. “It’s not Oliver blood, we don’t know yet-” Felicity attempted, already swabbing the sword. “And how do we know this is not fake?” Diggle questioned. “Because it is the family we are talking about. I do not take matters concerning family lightly.” “Thank you Malcom, you may leave now,” Tommy whispered, barely audible to the room. Malcolm dramatically exited, and Tommy was left waiting. “Felicity,” he managed weakly. There was a beep, a moment of absolute silence, and then a broken voice, “it’s his.”

How do you cancel a wedding venue, how do you sleep in a bed alone, how do you cook an omelette. These were all questions that he never needed to answer. But he did. It all changed.

He constantly blamed himself for not knowing and not stopping his boy. Each night he laid awake drifting between awake and lightly asleep. He wanted his Oliver. He wanted his boy to hold him tight and never let go. “Hey,” a voice said, a voice that sounded eerily familiar. “Shut up, shut up,” Tommy said, crying. He couldn’t hear that voice in his head. “Hey, it’s me, it’s me Tommy I promise.” “Oliver?” Then he was crying all over again, but this time he was crying into Oliver. “Don’t d-d-do that again.” Oliver was crying too, “I swear, I swear I won’t. I’m not going anywhere.”

[lucyyh]

This is my entry for Olicity Clue!  (two days late, sorry 😭). I have the “brilliant” idea (please note the quotation marks 🤣) to make this a combined work, so you have gifs and a ficlet, a scene from the plot I wrote.

Thank you @olicitytropes for organizing this! I have a lot of fun participating!    At eighteen years old, Oliver Queen was used as a bargaining chip by his own father, and hand over to the League of Assassins in exchange for Robert's life. Brainwashed, tortured and without hope, he is converted on Al-Sah Him, the heir to the demon. But despite Ra’s efforts, there’s still  a part of the old Oliver alive. With the help of Nyssa Al Ghul, the daughter of the demon, he recovers his identity, and starts planning his revenge. Against the League and the father who sold him.

Felicity Smoak saw her mother's murder when she was eight years old at the hands of a man dressed in black gear. Alone in the world, her only goal was to discover why her mother died. Until one day, she does. The league of assassins killed her mother as retaliation against her absentee father, who's a criminal mastermind known as "The Calculator". He thought he could deceived Ra's Al Ghul and steal from him without suffering the consequences, and did nothing to protect his ex wife and child from Ra's Al Ghul. Enraged by this discovery, she devises a plan to destroy not only the League, but her father as well. On a twist of fate, she meets Nyssa Al Ghul, and although wary at first, soon she realises they have a similar goal and can help each other to achieve it. Nyssa takes her to the very home of the League, Nanda Parbat. And Erin (as she calls herself now), makes an offer to Ra's Al Ghul that he can't refuse: she'll find The Calculator, and Ra's will finally have him at his mercy. 

What Oliver and Felicity don’t know, is that they will find more than just revenge in Nanda Parbat. They'll find each other.  

Fic  and clues under the cut:

The old King is dead. (Long live the king)

She runs through the corridors, desperately trying not to look around her. There's destruction everywhere, debris blocking her way, and she can barely walk without being in danger of falling. 

It's not only debris blocking the halls. It's fire. And death. 

She's not naive. She knew perfectly well what would happen when they declared war against Ra's Al Ghul. Deaths were inevitable. But knowing and seeing how many people have died, are two different things. 

If she allows herself one glance, she'll be sick to her stomach, and that's something she can't afford right now. 

She needs to get to the ceremonial hall. She needs to make sure Oliver is ok. 

Turning to her right, Felicity runs into Sarab, who's fighting two of Nyssa's henchmen. She comes to a halt, panic settling in her chest, 'cause she knows that Sarab won't  have mercy if he spots her. 

She hesitates for a few seconds, trying to decide what other way she can take to the ceremonial hall, and those seconds prove to be near fatal. 

Felicity sees the sword falling to her shoulder in her peripheral vision, and she freezes, horror and desperation clogging her chest. All the hours of painful training seem to have abandoned her at that moment, and she closes her eyes waiting for the final blow that will end her life. 

Instead of pain, something warm and wet hits her face, and a well-known voice calls her. 

"Erin!"She opens her eyes, as Nyssa is extracting her sword from the man's chest, the one that tried to attack Felicity not even two seconds ago. 

With a shaking hand she touches her face, and when she looks at it she realises that is blood. 

Her face is covered in the blood of the man that Nyssa killed. 

It takes her a great amount of self-control not to spill her guts right then and there. 

"Focus!" Nyssa yells, while she is returning Sarab's vicious attacks. “Go to the hall, now! You still have something to do!"  Nyssa gives Sarab a swift kick in the stomach. "We count on you, Erin…Al Sah-him and I."

Felicity nods, steeling herself and continuing towards her destination. She has a task to do. Something she can't forget. 

She needs to destroy the Lazarus Pit. 

She runs through seemingly endless corridors, more aware of her surroundings now, eager to avoid another unpleasant encounter with Ra’s men. 

After what seems like hours she finally gets to the ceremonial hall. 

The heavy doors are wide open, and she walks inside cautiously, the smoke from the burning ruins making it difficult to see much. 

It takes her a minute or two, but once her eyes adjust to her surroundings, the scene presented in front of her is shocking. 

Amidst the destruction, there's at least ten Assassins in a perfect semicircle, looking like immovable statues, not worried in the least about the danger around them. 

Not even one turns to look at her. Their attention is fixed on the middle of the room. 

When she looks at that place, a gasp leaves her lips. 

There's a man there standing high and proud, looking over a prone figure on the floor. He is saying something she can’t understand, but the intonation of his voice (soft and melodic), it’s similar to the prayers that the league members recite while they bid farewell to their dead comrades.

She recognizes that voice instantly.

"Oliver!" She whispers, and her heart fills with joy. 

He defeated Ra's Al Ghul. Just like he promised her. 

As if he could feel her presence, his eyes find her in the middle of the chaos that surrounds them. She doesn't know if it's her imagination, but Felicity thinks that a smile appears on his face. 

"Felicity…" He says, loud enough to be heard over the noise of the battle that's still happening outside. 

Tears spill from her eyes, and she sucks in a breath. 

This is the first time that he says her name-her real name-outside of the four walls of his bedroom when it is safe for them to be Oliver and Felicity, and not Al Sah-him and Erin. 

He always whispers her name with reverence and love, a secret well kept between them. Until now, their real selves stayed in that bedroom; once they were outside, their personas took place: an emotionless assassin and an international cyber criminal dealing with one of the most dangerous organizations in the world. 

It was necessary, if they wanted to succeed in destroying the League. And survive. 

But now? Hearing him say her name in front of other people? It’s confirmation that  it's over. They won. They are finally free from Ra’s Al Ghul. 

In a few steps, Oliver is there, engulfing her in his arms. She clings to him, burying her face in his neck, her anxiousness finally fading. He's always been able to calm her down, to give her peace. No matter how impossible and terrifying the situation they were in, he gave her the strength to believe that everything was going to be ok. 

"You did it," she murmurs, her lips touching the skin of his neck, "I knew you would." 

"You gave me the strength, Felicity." Oliver pulls away to look at her face. "Without you, I would've never done it."

They kiss softly then, all too aware of the people still in the room. There'll be time later to enjoy each other. She still has something to do. 

Pulling away from Oliver, she searches in her jacket pockets for the vial with the potion that will rend the Pit useless. 

She shows the vial to Oliver, shaking it a little. "One more thing," she says and walks to the Pit slowly, avoiding the debris on her way. 

She hears movement at her back and Oliver's commanding voice ordering in Arabic, "Don't move." The noise stops instantly, and she continues walking. She knows that Oliver won't let anyone hurt her. 

When she is beside the Pit, she opens the vial but doesn't pour it immediately. This was Ra's most treasured possession, his source of pride and madness, the one for which he killed hundreds of people, his family included.

No men will use the Pit to satisfy their ambition for power and eternal life, ever again. 

There won't be more death because of it. 

With a  flick of her wrist, she empties out the vial in the clear water. Instantly, fumes start to emanate from the Pit, the fetid smell making her step back. The water's consistency becomes thick, and its color changes to an ill red. 

She turns around then and looks at Oliver. "It's done." He nods and stretches his hand, Felicity already walking towards him. 

She takes Oliver's hand, and they walk towards the doors. He stops close to the assassins, giving them a few orders that have them hurrying out of the room. 

"We need to find Nyssa," says Oliver, "I need to give her this." He raises his hand, and it's then that she sees it. 

The demon's ring. Ra's Al Ghul's symbol of power is in Oliver’s right index finger. It dawns on her then, why not one of the men tried to kill them, why they obeyed him without hesitation. 

Oliver is the new Ra's Al Ghul. 

At her questioning gaze, Oliver is quick to reassure her. "It was just for a short time. They would have attacked me if I didn't wear the ring. But I'm not interested in this." He gestures at the room, "I only want my freedom…and a new life at your side." 

"I want the same," she tells him, her hand landing over his heart, "although…" 

"We aren't done. I know." He takes her hand, the one that's on his chest and kisses it. "Come on Felicity. We still have work to do."

They leave the grand room hand in hand. There's still a few battles they need to fight, before they are truly free. 

----oooo----

Finito

Clues: Fire, Nanda Parbat, League of Assassins.