#please Lance look at Mick too he needs your attention

[lancemickbfs]

Mick really likes looking at Lance (again, we get it) but I like that in this gif he greets Lando and quickly his gaze goes to Lance, it looks like his gaze HAS to be on Lance (I also like that everyone is looking at Lance)

[maxemilianverstappen]

Lol, both the admins are acting like they are using their personal accounts, this is so funny and embarrassing, like what the fuck are you thinking before typing any of that out??

And while there are people who are calling it out, there are also fans who are literally saying it's the admin's job to be uWu, like no honey it's not, their job is to maintain good PR for the team and THEIR drivers, something they have forgotten... I have seen them talk about Seb with Lewis and Mick this season more than I have seen them talk about Seb & Lance, and Lance in general. Like please focus on your drivers, the fans of the team are here for them. And while Merc admin can still get away with the cringe because at least the Mercedes has good results this season so the focus shifts on the on track performance, the AM admin is just making the situation worse for the team... A team everyone expected to be fighting for wins this year, has dropped to 7th in the pecking order, there are no results to show for anything the drivers are doing, and you lit are going around engaging in uWu bestie Sewis nonsense, who is going to take the team seriously? Your PR in a competitive sport is supposed to make you look ambitious, and they are celebrating being overtaken, like I understand a post race congratulatory comment under another team's post, but why are you focussed on another driver's race?

Also funny, that Lewis/Sewis fans are busy defending all the nonsense from yesterday, like besties stop, if they had crashed you lot would be asking for Seb's head, regardless of whether it was his fault or not, you're not fooling anyone.

Motherfuckers flip-flop on Yuki so much, it's disgusting to watch, everytime they have to slander RB, they use Yuki for it, and then when Yuki defended against Lewis at COTA they started attacking him saying he was showing his true colours, because he raced Lewis lmao, and then the same people/accounts went back to give him moral support last week, I mean why are you all so shallow... choose one narrative and run with please

Anon, whoever you are I don't know, but since you have the higher brain power than me for putting what I feel into words, I want you to know that you have an admirer.

Good PR, joking around and having a bit of fun is one thing, blatantly ignoring your other drivers inorder to milk a ship/nonexistent friendship (ahahahaha) by using the social media of a corporation playing with millions is another.

True, some fans like this stuff and I am one of them when it is done in moderation, it is nice, but..... But.... 🙄🙄🙄 What the fuck was this?

Why the fuck are these ppl even racing? To certify they are actually a Merc sidekick? To get discount in the new engines? Do they remember they are talking about a 4 times WDC who used to be a rival to the other driver they are so in love with? Whose fans and British media used to tear him down at every given chance including the said driver himself... LoL, how the turn tables when you stop being a threat and the new spot you find yourself in reduces you to a part of a ship instead of a rival so that PR can milk money 🤑🤑🤑

Also, since when it is okay to make sexual innuendos on official accounts?

I'm a shipper, but pleeeeease.... This kinda shit needs to be kept in fannish spaces not get promoted by official accounts that might draw attention on us. You should see all the replies to the last tweet asking about what a "s*ewis" is and where does it come from 😬

And yes, I would be cringed if it was done on Simi, too... Subtle bromance stuff is nice, but this kind of stuff has its own time and place.

[singledarkshade]

Scarred By Time

Author’s Note: I'm procrastinating writing something else so I ended up picking this up once more. Another chapter will hopefully appear at some point. Hope you enjoy. Part One can be found here.                                ********************************************* Part Two The building sitting at the edge of the city loomed above them as they walked towards it from the parking lot.

Everyone had heard of TM Consultancy these days. It was a think tank which had a reputation for creative brilliant solutions to problems most people would dismiss as unsolvable. They had appeared from nowhere about two years ago and quickly built their reputation.

Sara Lance looked at the three people standing with her at the entrance, Ray Palmer, Nate Heywood and Zari Tomaz, three people who didn’t normally work together. She knew them through some mutual friends and the bar she hung out at some weekends.

“What do a scientist, a historian, a hacker and a martial arts instructor have in common?” Sara asked thoughtfully.

Ray grinned at her, “I think we’re about to find out.”

Sara watched the main doors open before them. Swapping confused glances, they walked in and looked around the spacious comfortable almost empty reception area.

“Good morning,” the woman who stood waiting for them said as they moved closer, she had long chestnut brown hair with storm-grey eyes. Her face had a pleasant but neutral expression while she held a tablet in her hand, “Miss Lance, Dr Palmer, Mr Heywood and Miss Tomaz, it is a pleasure to meet you. Dr Hunter is waiting for you. Please follow me.”

They stared when she turned and walked through the wall behind her. Looking at one another again, they shrugged and followed the woman. All cried out in surprise and pain when they walked into a solid barrier.

“Gideon,” a man’s annoyed voice came making them turn to see Rip Hunter, owner of TM Consultancy standing inside an elevator. He was tall, with sandy hair, neatly trimmed beard, intense green eyes and was dressed head to toe in black, the only part of his body uncovered was his face despite the fact it was the middle of summer but the thing that especially caught Sara’s attention were the leather gloves he wore.

The woman reappeared asking innocently, “Yes?”

“Stop it,” he stated before turning to them, “My apologies, she has currently developed a rather childish sense of humour since her recent upgrade.”

Sara could see the others as bemused as she was, “What?”

“Gideon is the AI who runs the building,” Hunter explained, obviously trying not to laugh as Gideon crossed her eyes and stuck her tongue out at him before disappearing back through the wall once more, “Follow me and we can discuss why I’ve asked you here.”

“Thank you for coming,” Hunter said as they filed into an office decorated in neutral colours with a long dark wooden desk in the middle and the sun shining through the wall of windows, “I’m sure you’re all busy so I’m not going to waste too much of your time. The reason I asked you here is to offer you a job.”

“What?” Sara spoke up.

He gave a slight smile, “All four of you have very specific skills which would be useful in order for us to expand our business.”

“What work exactly?” Ray asked thoughtfully.

“We find solutions for problems that others can’t,” Hunter replied, “Each of you have the skills I am looking for to expand the team.”

Sara frowned before challenging, “Considering my skills, what job do you expect me to do?”

“You’re a leader, Miss Lance,” he said, “I want you to manage this team.”

“What wages and perks are you offering?” Zari asked, “Because we all currently have pretty good jobs.”

Hunter smiled slightly again, Sara wondered if he knew how to smile properly, before he told them, “Gideon has emailed you a copy of your contract as well as details of all monetary compensation.”

“And you can’t give us any specific details of what we’ll actually be doing?” Nate demanded.

Hunter mused for a moment before nodding, “I’ll send you some write-ups of our previous cases, but there is information that you will not be privy to unless you are working for us. I will say that your days won’t ever be able to be called boring.”

With that the meeting was over.

 Rip stood in his office watching from the window the people, he had hopefully just hired, leave the property to consider his offer, stunned that he’d made it to this stage. ‘Time’ had confirmed that all those that were needed would be in the right place when required and Rip had been concerned that something would go wrong. It had been a long five years, three of which he’d spent alone and two more building up a business so that he had a way to bring the team together.

“I still do not believe that hiring them is a good idea,” Gideon’s voice made him turn to find her standing at his side.

“We need Sara to recant her wish now John and Mick have managed to capture the Djinn,” Rip reminded her, “But in order for her to do that then she must know about the fact she made it. If she’s working here, then we can ease her into the information. The other three will help with finding the information to convince her it’s real and not some kind of joke.”

Gideon rested her hand on his shoulder, the sensors in his clothes letting him feel her touch, “Then we need to get back to work.”

“Yes, we do.”

“Although,” Gideon noted, “You have not yet eaten this morning.”

Rip rolled his eyes, “I will get something just now.”

Gideon nodded, “Excellent. I will have something waiting for you in the dining room. I’ll meet you there.”

With that she disappeared, and Rip looked out the window once more at the four people walking away.

Part of him hoped this worked but he also knew if it did, then he would leave Gideon again.

And he hated that thought.

                                 *********************************************

 Gideon had been watching her Captain carefully over the past few weeks since he’d made the decision to contact the Legends in this version of the world. John had managed to track down the Djinn who had tricked Sara into making the wish that created this reality, trap it and it was currently being stored in the Waverider under several layers of security both technological and magical.

Although she knew that this was what Rip had been working towards for many years, she feared him succeeding because Gideon would lose him once more.

She never used her hologram and turned her cameras off whenever he was in the shower or changing because Gideon knew Rip hated anyone, even her, seeing the scars that covered every part of his body.

The reminder that to give the Legends time to defeat Mallus after they had blundered in without a proper plan, he had been ripped apart by the energy from the time core.

“Gideon,” he called, letting her know he was dressed.

Turning her camera and hologram back on, Gideon smiled to find him dressed and heading out the room.

“Yes?” she asked as she followed him to the elevator.

“Have we received a reply from anyone yet?” he waited as Gideon sent the elevator down to the sixth floor so he could have breakfast.

Gideon shook her head, “I’m afraid not, Rip. However, it has only been a few days and the remuneration package you are providing may be giving them pause.”

“Should I have offered more?” Rip frowned concerned.

“From what Mr Constantine has said,” Gideon noted as they walked the corridor to the dining room, “You may have offered them too much.”

Rip rolled his eyes, “Money has never been something that has meant much to me, not since I was a child, and I stole whatever I could get my hands on. The Waverider always provided what I required. I probably should have had Mr Rory work out those details.”

“His economic knowledge is quite surprising,” Gideon noted.

Gideon gently touched his hand and Rip took a hold of it. She was relieved he had agreed to let her put the sensors in his clothing, Rip needed physical contact of some kind and would never accept it from Mr Constantine or Mr Rory.

Gideon knew from when Rip and Miranda had been together how much just a simple touch of his hand or kiss on his cheek from his wife, comforted and made him smile.

Rip turned to her and rested his other hand on her cheek, “I’m fine, Gideon.”

“I’m not,” she whispered, leaning into his touch, “Because the closer we get to fixing the mess Miss Lance made with her wish, the day I lose you again draws ever nearer.”

Sighing, Rip shook his head, “I’ve been dead a long time, Gideon. It’s just going to take this time.”

“Captain…”

“I’m at peace with my decision,” Rip told her, “I only wish it didn’t mean leaving you once more.”

Gideon closed her eyes and turned her face to press a soft kiss to his palm, “We have time before that moment comes, Rip and I will treasure each moment.”

 “Have you found anything, Mr Constantine?”

Swearing John jumped, “Make a noise, Gideon before you appear.”

“I am constantly monitoring all parts of this facility,” Gideon noted with a roll of her eyes, “I am always here.”

Shaking his head and muttering under his breath, John pulled over the book so she could see it properly.

“I think I can summon the corporeal version of ‘Time’,” John told her, “But what do we do then? We can’t threaten him to keep Rip alive after we’ve fixed things.”

“I am aware of this, Mr Constantine,” Gideon replied sharply, “However, I will not allow Rip to die again without trying something to save him. This way we have a chance to find out what we can do.”

John shook his head, “I know, Gideon. Look,” he closed the book, “I need to collect some stuff to do the summoning so I will start gathering them up. And we can work on what we offer.”

She nodded, “Thank you.”

“He’s my friend too,” John reminded her, “And I won’t let him go without a fight.”

Gideon gave him a soft smile before she tilted her head, “The Legends have replied to the job offers. I will leave you to work while I report this to Captain Hunter.”

As Gideon disappeared again, John mused over everything. It was only a few hours after he’d been resuscitated into this world that Gideon asked him to find a way to help her save Rip after he saved the world.

He knew Rip and Gideon were close, but the past few years a lot of the time John could see how close they truly were. Gideon had implanted every piece of clothing Rip wore with sensors allowing her to physically interact with him. John had been a bit weirded out by it at first but realised after a while that it was good for Rip.

John smiled slightly, thinking back to anytime he saw Rip and Miranda together. How she would always place a hand on his arm, or lean into him to look at something, she’d brush a kiss to his cheek whenever she left the room or would simply sit on Rip’s lap without even acknowledging him.

It always made Rip smile and relax, Gideon knew this too so, as always, was looking out for her Captain.

                                 *********************************************

 Sara stood with her arms folded as she stood just outside the TM Consultancy building.

“You know,” Zari said as she walked up to Sara’s side, “We only get paid if we go inside and work.”

Shrugging Sara asked, “Don’t you think this is a little odd?”

“A little,” Zari agreed, “I nearly passed out when I saw the salary we were being offered. Not to mention the bonuses for completed jobs.”

Sara nodded, “I know what you mean. It…” she hesitated, trying to find the words, “The job is amazing and so much better than the one I was doing but there is just something odd about it and Hunter.”

“His dress sense screams that,” Zari laughed, “Do you think he knows the all black outfit makes him look like a stick-insect?”

Sara chuckled, “It’s the fact every part of him was covered other than his face I found odd.”

Zari shrugged, “Maybe he just doesn’t like the cold.”

“We’re in the middle of summer,” Sara sighed, “Never mind. We’re due in ten minutes and I don’t want to be late on my first day.”

They started towards the gates and Sara mused over everything. There was something strange about this entire thing and she intended to find out what reason this guy had for hiring them. The money he offered them all was incredible, far more than she expected ever to earn with her qualifications.

Reaching the reception, they found Ray and Nate were already there, sitting on the plush couch just to one side of the desk.

“We were told to wait,” Nate told her, “I don’t think the computer likes us much.”

Sara and Zari took a seat as Zari asked, “Why?”

“Just the look she gave me,” Nate replied.

Ray shook his head, “You’re imagining things. She was very pleasant, and this time didn’t make us run into a wall.”

Zari chuckled, “Come on, that was a little funny. And the fact she’s an AI with a sense of humour, this job won’t be boring.”

“Boring is something I’m not expecting,” Sara mused.

 “Are you ready for this, Captain?” Gideon asked softly as he stood in his office watching the video screen showing the four people waiting in reception.

Rip shook his head, “Honestly, no.”

Placing her hand on his back, Gideon whispered, “You don’t have to do this.”

Turning Rip took her hand, “I do. This world isn’t real. It is missing those who will step in and save it from dangers that normal people cannot.”

“Why is there no other way?” Gideon asked.

Sliding his arms around her, Rip drew her in for a hug, “Because there isn’t. Sara recants her wish, the world goes back to how it was…”

“And I lose you again,” Gideon sighed, her head resting against his shoulder, “Only this time it will be forever.”

Rip closed his eyes before he reminded her, “I made my choice, Gideon. I never wanted to leave you and I don’t but…”

“But?” she pulled back and looked at him with large eyes.

He let out a slow breath, “I can’t be selfish, Gideon as much as I want to. The world is wrong, and I made a deal to fix it. I made a promise.”

“You are far too honourable sometimes, Captain.”

Rip sighed, “You are probably the only one who has ever thought that.” He gave her a smile and rested his hand on her shoulder, “Let’s go meet our new employees.”

“I hope you ensure to remind them that I don’t take orders from them,” Gideon told him, turning on her heel towards the elevator.

Rip smiled and followed her.

 The ding of the elevator made Sara jump to her feet along with the other three.

“Good morning,” Hunter greeted them, wearing basically the same outfit as he had been on the day he’d ‘interviewed’ them, except his polo neck was blue not black, “I’m glad you all decided to take up my offer.”

“Well,” Sara spoke for the group, “It was a hard offer to say no to.”

He gave a slight smile and handed Gideon who was waiting at his side the tablet he had been holding. Sara stared, feeling the others stunned looks as well, when the AI took it.

“How did you do that?” Ray demanded.

Hunter glanced at Gideon before replying, “Executive level clearance.” He turned and headed to the elevator frowning as he turned back to find them staring at him, “Please join me and we can start the tour.”

Sara took the lead and walked into the elevator with the other three joining after a moment.

“Before I show you your offices,” Hunter said as the doors closed, “I want to confirm to you the areas that are off-limits no matter what. These are the top two floors which house the apartments used by myself, Mr Rory and Mr Constantine. None of us will be happy if you wander into our private rooms. Secondly is the basement.”

“Keeping the bodies down there?” Zari asked with a chuckle.

Hunter gave her one of his slight smiles before replying, “Just filled with so much junk it’s dangerous and I don’t want any of you to get lost down there, it could take days to find you.”

                                 *********************************************

 John went through his checklist for the summoning spell. It had taken him a month to get everything together with Gideon constantly checking on him.

He had avoided the Legends since Rip had brought them in, it was just weird that they didn’t know him, and he knew Mick was also avoiding being around them. The former thief and Bounty Hunter had taken to working in a Think Tank, amazingly becoming their security expert with enthusiasm. When they’d joined Rip and started creating the business, Gideon had gone about reorganising the building so that it worked both for their business but also for a place for the three of them to live.

“Please tell me you’re ready, Mr Constantine,” Gideon’s exasperated voice preceded her hologram appearing.

John smiled to himself at her irritation, “I take it one of our new recruits has annoyed you.”

“Mr Heywood insists on calling me ‘computer’,” she snapped, “Honestly it is only due my promise to Captain Hunter that I have not retaliated.”

“Sorry, Gideon,” he sighed, “I’ll talk to him. Because the last thing we need is Rip to deck him for disrespecting you.”

A sweet smile touched her lips and John, not for the first time since he’d been woken in this new world, realised how little he’d understood just how self-aware and ‘human’ Gideon was.

“Before that though,” John pulled out the spell book, “Lock the door and we can try the spell.”

Gideon nodded and John heard the click of the lock as he pulled out everything he required for the summoning.

“Okay,” he took a breath, “Are we ready?”

“Whenever you are.”

John started the summoning spell, feeling the enormous power he was bringing into the room but it wasn’t the first time he’d interacted with something powerful and held his nerve.

Finally a man stood in front of him, or it looked like the shape of a man but John couldn’t quite see the features or anything other than a slightly grey shape.

“Not many people are brave, or powerful enough, to summon me,” the voice echoed off every corner of the room meaning John was in no doubt this was ‘Time’, “Why have you done this?”

“Rip Hunter,” John said, “I want to know what is needed so that he will survive once he gets the wish recanted.”

‘Time�� tilted its head, “Rip Hunter is dead. I was only able to return him to life because of the wish. He knows this.”

“He does,” John replied, “But he deserves something more than to die again once he fixes things for you.”

“He does,” ‘Time’ agreed, “But I could only give him life in exchange for another.”

“Then take mine,” Gideon spoke suddenly.

John spun to her, “What? No?”

“You are an AI,” ‘Time’ mused, “Offering your basic immortal life for a human?”

“For him,” Gideon replied, “Yes.”

‘Time’ moved to her, “Do you understand what you are offering?”

“I do,” Gideon nodded, “And I want to ensure if I do this then he is completely whole once more.”

“Gideon,” John snapped, “Rip would never agree…”

“Your offer is accepted,” ‘Time’ interrupted John.

John frowned, “No, wait.”

“The offer was made without guile,” ‘Time’ told him, “Without deceit. It was given freely and has been accepted.”

With that said ‘Time’ disappeared.

John spun to Gideon, “Rip will never agree to this.”

“He does not need to know until after Miss Lance has recanted her wish,” Gideon told him.

“And you think I’m not going to tell him?”

Gideon nodded, “I know you will not.”

Bright light filled the room and John blinked.

Looking around he frowned, before checking the book, “It didn’t work, did it?”

“No, Mr Constantine,” Gideon replied, “What you intended did not happen.”

Sighing John said, “I’m sorry, Gideon. I know how disappointed you must be. I can try again.”

Gideon gave him a sad smile, “It took you almost two years to track down that spell. It is doubtful you will be able to find another in time.”

John sighed as Gideon disappeared and he began to tidy up, disappointed that he’d failed.

[youandi29]

Haas made a steatment, I made mine

Warning: This text will talk about Haas F1 Team, Nikita Mazepin, and sexual assault and a critic to FIA mostly

This might be a little longer if you are not interested, comfortable or you are tired of this, please pass your way, keep scrolling. 

First, I thought about not talking about Haas F1 Team's statement, then I realize everyone is already doing that, I will just be another text in an ocean of disappointment but I can't stay silent in front of what is happening. 

My name on this social media is: "F1WeRaceAsOne", when I chose it, I already knew it, this was only a marketing matter to F1 and FIA, I am an economic's student, I have classes on that, and on the "reputation of a brand". Even knowing this initiative was only a marketing matter to F1, I still chose it for my username. Because I truly believe, we, as fans, we were here together, we race with the drivers, we can walk in the same direction when needed, and today is the day. 

Middle of the season, after the incident between Max and Lance, first of all, I was incredibly disappointed with Max, as a person who liked him, I was, really, sad about the matter and felt extremely stupid. But looking now back, I am even more disappointed with the way FIA and F1 deal with the subject. I haven't expected a punishment, because, for me, Max didn't say those words with the attention of hurting Lance or someone else, but in a lack of education and good sense.

I expected FIA and F1 to the matter into their own hands. Having a conversation with Max and the Red bull team, making a statement explaining what they were doing to prevent it to happen again, not only with Max but with everyone. But they didn't, Red Bull did, Max explained himself but FIA or F1 didn't say a thing about it. 

I need to talk about Lewis' investigation too. I don't think investigating him quietly and hoping no one will see it or talk about it was the best thing to do. For this one, I can see the FIA point, not that I agree or even understand, but if the USA has the same principals as the country where I live, everyone is innocent until proven the opposite, until the court pronounces the judgment.

I don't know if this was what bothered FIA with Lewis' t-shirt but I hope it was because no other reason is acceptable. But then, again, the lack of communication is huge. I think it's a disrespect to everyone, about what are they afraid of? Can't they come forward and say: We are looking at this for these reasons: here what bothers us, but no, they don't. On one hand, they want the team's radio broadcast, they want onboard cameras accessible for everyone, they broadcast an accident over and over again but they can't be clear with an investigation. 

Coming now to my biggest disappointment of the year, Nikita Mazepin. I mean, I am not disappointed with him. Who follows a bit the young competitions knows perfectly what he is capable of. No, I am disappointed with everyone around. I understand why, in the first place, Haas chose him over Callum. Nikita Mazepin is bringing with him 20 million dollars, maybe for you, it isn't essential, but believe me, for the teams it is.

For a comparison, Mick is bringing with him 300'000 dollars, this will pay half of his salary, the other half is going to be pay by Ferrari. Money for Haas at this point is no longer a bonus. It is essential for the survival of the team. Pietro could bring money, the Brazilian government gives him money for the team if needed. Do you know the amount ? 2 million, ten times lower of what Mazepin can give, economically it's a big difference. But after the video, things changed. 

You can no longer only look at the money, it isn't fair. You need to find solutions, get maybe Pietro and his 2 million, asking for help, negotiate with Ferrari, try to get help by the F1, the FIA. Seeing with Mick for financial help, with sponsors, the USA government. Everyone could help. But no, they decided to keep everything quiet, just letting us know they didn't stan for Nikita Mazepin's behavior, dragging us down with Mick's content, and it worked for a while. 

I don't even have words for FIA, they just disappeared when needed. No statements? No investigations? No conversations? No help?

Am I suppose to walk on the paddock knowing a sexual predator is there? Is a woman suppose to fight for a seat in F1 knowing she will be on the grid with a man like that? Who doesn't respect women? Who does whatever he wants? 

You know, my dad uses a lot a Portuguese expression: "Who comes last to close the door." It is addressed to whom can do whatever he wants because he knows someone will come behind to take care of the mess. This is a perfect summary of Nikita Mazepin's life, he does whatever he wants because he knows his father will come behind to take care of everything, without any consequences at all for him. 

FIA behavior disgusts me on this one, they will allow someone like him on the paddock. Are they waiting for him to rape someone? What kind of excuses they are going to give us then?

I am so sorry for Haas fans because you fall in love with a team, and now, they are letting you down. I am sorry for Mick Schumacher who worked and fought all his life for this moment and is going to be affronted with questions about his teammate, or even worse. I am sorry for the people who lived a sexual assault and are here, watching Nikita Mazepin walk free without any consequences. I am sorry for FIA because they are not worthy of this sport, they are out here hurting the image and legacy of F1. I am really sorry guys. 

[jensonsbuttons]

If all f1 contracts were to end tomorrow and you could build a new grid for 2022 where money wasn’t an object and there are no constraints on which drivers could go to each team (alpha tauri isn’t junior Red Bull, teams with Ferrari engines don’t need a Ferrari driver etc), what would your grid look like?

a wild mass anon has appeared hello hello pal thank you so much for this

please note before viewing my answers that this is completely self indulgent! i am not telling you this list based on talent or who has ties with whatever teams or anything logical! it is purely just who i would like to see as teammates. contracts, loyalties and driving styles that would suit better cars be damned this is all fueled by me knowing nothing about in depth about this sport. that being said....let's get into it...

mercedes: lewis hamilton & george russell. this one seems most likely as a real thing next year and idk anyone else who i want to get the spot so it only gets less logical from here.

red bull: pierre gasly & sergio "checo" perez but the only exception is that there are some management changes if you know what i mean. anyway i think checo is doing fantastic there. would love to see more of it. would like to see pierre back in red bull too literally just to see what he can do.

ferrari: charles leclerc & mick schumacher. please oh my god i want to see this happen so bad cause of well...yeah. i'll just leave it there.

mclaren: daniel ricciardo & jenson button. idk how this would work but they never got to be teammates so lets go!!!!!! jenson is already back at williams so he's in the paddock! just shove him down a few garages and it'll be fine.

aston martin: sebastian vettel & lance stroll. listen i think they're doing really well already and seb seems so happy so he's staying put and i want them both in f1 next year.

alpha tauri: alex albon & yuki tsunoda. i think i'd like to see what alex does in the at car!!! i know new regs and whatever won't help but i'd still like to see it. and then yeah yuki i think is doing okay! i don't really pay too much attention to AT this year though sorry :/

alpine: esteban ocon & guanyu zhou! idk a thing about him other than he's with the alpine renault academy whatever they are called now so ta da! he gets a seat. nando can uhhhhhh idk go to another series. he can go to f2 how about that.

alfa romeo: antonio giovinazzi & callum illot. i don't know anything about callum but he seems like a good guy and everyone wants him to get a spot so! there!

williams: jamie chadwick & nicholas latifi. listen.....i want jamie in an f1 car. let's see what she's got i think it'll be great. also...yeah nicky just needs to be around for another year please.

haas (that is staying haas): what if i just threw pato o'ward and josef newgarden in here? lets do that. (i really don't watch the feeder series i do not know any of those kids but i know indy car so thats the best i got i'm so sorry 😭)

[avasharpe]

Honey, There Is No Right Way Chapter Two

Chapter: two/four

Summary: The night after they defeat Charlie’s sisters is when the reality sets in. Sara was blind, permanently and she must adapt to her new disability.

Fandom: DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.

Relationship: Sara Lance/Ava Sharpe.

Characters: Sara Lance, Ava Sharpe, Gideon, Charlie, Mick Rory, Lita Rory, Zari Tarazi, and John Constantine.

Chapter Rating: General Audience.

Additional Tags: Blind!Sara, Fluff and Angst, The Smell (Charlie’s band).

Read at AO3

Read at FFN

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They’re in the crowd of the warehouse listening to Charlie and their band play. The music took over all of Sara’s senses and the beat resonated in her chest. With the mosh pit and Charlie screaming in her ears, the only way she didn’t get lost was by holding Ava’s hand. The rest of the world is a blur of unfamiliar people and sound. 

They listened to music and Sara danced wildly. Ava stretched her arm out to do the wave and Sara felt someone move in between them, pushing at their arms until she let go. Sara stopped dancing and moved past them to try and reach for Ava, but no one was there. Sara called out to her, but no one responded and she got pushed further into the mosh pit until she was completely lost. 

Sara took a moment to ground herself. She called out for Ava again and for the other Legends, but none of them were there. No one else around her seemed to know where her friends were, but there was one person Sara could hear. Charlie was screaming into the microphone and Sara moved through the crowd. She followed Charlie’s voice until she bumped up against the stage, putting her hands on the platform. Charlie was halfway through the song and Sara knew she’d never get their attention until they finished. So Sara enjoyed the music and danced, but kept both of her hands on the stage.

When Charlie’s song was done, Sara waved her arm to get their attention and Charlie caught her hand. With the song over, the crowd quieted and Sara could hear Charlie talk.

“Hey boss, where’s Ava?”

“I don’t know. I got lost in the crowd. Can you see her?” 

“Not from up here. She’s probably back by the bar. Let’s go find her,” Charlie said as Sara heard them jump down into the crowd. Charlie gripped her hand and led her through the mosh pit. As soon as they got to the bar Charlie put her in a chair. Sara felt someone brushed up against her side and the sound of an intense make out.

“Oi, you two stop smashing faces for a second,” Charlie shouted and Sara reached out to tug on Constantine’s jacket.

“Oh pissed off Charlie,” John said.

“Sara, there you are,” Zari said, putting her hand on Sara’s arm. “Ava was looking for you, she said you got lost.”

“Yeah, we got separated in the crowd. You guys know where she is?”

“Hey boss,” Mick said, patting her on the back. Sara jumped a bit when he touched her. With everyone talking and Declan still playing some guitar riffs, it was hard to hear someone approach her. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”

“It’s okay, have you seen Ava?” Sara asked, turning towards Mick.

“Yeah, she and Lita are outside looking for you,” Mick said, putting a hand on her shoulders.

Sara hopped off the barstool and put her hand on Mick’s arm. As they walked outside, she could hear more clearly. The door slammed behind them and the sound of the music and the crowd faded away. 

“Sara!” She heard Ava shout. 

“Aunt Sara!” Lita shouted.

“Ava over here,” Sara shouted back, cupping her hands over her mouth.

“Sara?” Ava asked as Sara heard her footsteps running towards them. The next thing she knew, Ava was slamming into her and wrapping her arms around her waist. “I thought I lost you. I was so worried.”

“I’m fine, I’m fine,” Sara insisted, untangling herself from Ava with a smile. “I got up to the stage and found Charlie, then we went to the bar and got Mick and he brought me out here.”

“You can’t let go of my hand like that, anything could have happened to you,” Ava said, putting her hands on Sara’s shoulders. “You could have been trampled in the crowd or I don’t know abducted by aliens or something.”

“Babe, I think you’re getting a little too ahead of yourself, I’m fine,” Sara insisted, putting her hand on Ava’s and giving them a squeeze.

“Yeah, this time, but what happens if you get lost while we’re on a mission. Something seriously bad could happen,” Ava said, running her hands up to hold Sara’s face. 

“That’s what the League training is for,” Sara said, leaning into Ava’s touch.

“Regardless, I’m not taking any chances. Here take this,” Ava said, putting a com in her ear and sticking something under Sara’s shirt on her spine. 

“What’s that?” Sara said, feeling for the small round chip Ava put on her back with her fingers.

“It’s a tracking device. That way I’ll always know where you are and…”

“What?” Sara shouted, ripping it off and handing it back to Ava. “I don’t need to be fucken, chipped. I’m not a child.”

“It’s just a precaution Sara,” Ava argued, rubbing her arms. “If you get lost again, we need to be able to find you.”

“I wasn’t lost,” Sara said, taking a step back and pulling away from Ava. “I made it to the stage and found Charlie by myself. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”

“Yeah, in a nightclub surrounded by all of our friends. What if I lose you while we’re in the middle of London in 1901 or if we get separated during a battle with our latest villain? How are you going to find your way back to the Waverider or to me?”

“I’ve got my phone and my bo. I can take care of any threat that I face, and then I’ll call Gideon for a ride.”

“Look Sara, it’s just an extra tool,” Ava said, putting the tracker in Sara’s hand, “Especially since you can’t navigate the world around you, yet.”

“I can and I’ll prove it,” Sara said, dropping the tracker and running away. She immediately tripped over a tire and fell onto the concrete, scraping her palms and her knees. 

“Sara wait,” Ava said, with a tone of sympathy that hurt more than her knees. Sara could hear her voice get closer. “This is what I’m talking about. I don’t want you hurting yourself.” 

Sara just got back up and kept running. She found a fence and like a child, she ran her fingers along it as she went. Sara made her way around the dark alleys, tripping over a multitude of things and nearly spraining her ankle in a pothole. She kept going until she couldn’t, until she was sure she was alone.

Sara leaned against the wall of the alleyway and held her ankle. She could feel that it was swollen and she could barely walk on it. All she could think about was how Ava was right. She couldn’t survive on her own. She would need help and admitting that was harder than anything. Sara pulled out her phone, dialing the Waverider.

“Gideon, can you pick me up please?”

“I am sending the Jump Ship to your location Captain.”

“Thank you.”

“Of course,” Gideon said before she promptly hung up.

Sara heard the telltale sound of the Jump Ship land next to her and carefully got up. Limping and going hands first until she felt the side of the plane, Sara found her way over to the entrance and quickly got in. She strapped herself into the seat as the Jump Ship took off. 

“Captain, I sense that you have been injured. I shall have a chair ready for you in the Med Bay to assess your ankle and the scrapes on your hands and knees.”

“Okay, thanks Gid,” Sara said as she disembarked from the Jump Ship and made her way over to the Med Bay.

Gideon fixed her up quickly and Sara went back to her room. She changed into a fresh pair of pajamas and fell into bed. 

“Hey Gideon,” Sara said, tilting her head up to the ceiling even though Gideon was just a voice and she was blind.

“Yes Captain?”

“Is there any kinda blind cane training stuff available?”

“Of course Captain, there are several schools for the blind in Star City that offers Orientation and Mobility training. They also offer Braille and essential skills training, including independent living, personal management, counseling, and peer support groups, all of which I would recommend.”

“Do you think you can help me get into one of these schools?” Sara asked, she wasn’t so sure about this whole thing, but she knew one thing. She wanted her independence back. Sara didn’t want to have to rely on those around her for the rest of her life.

“Of course Captain, I could set things up with one of the top schools in Star City and get an appointment for you to meet with them.”

“Thank you Gideon,” Sara said, smiling as she relaxed back against her pillow. she reached her hand over to feel Ava’s side of the bed. “Will you let Ava know that I’m safely on the ship?”

“Yes Captain Lance, and I will tell her to give you some space as well.”

“Thanks Gideon.”

“You’re welcome, Captain.” 

With Gideon’s help, Sara was able to research more about Orientation and Mobility training through the school. She felt hopeful as Gideon told her more about it and eventually she heard a knock at the door as Ava’s hand rapped against the hard ore.

“Sara, can I come in?” Ava’s voice calmly and hesitantly asked through the metal door.

Sara told Gideon to let Ava in and she could hear the door sliding open and Ava’s footsteps on the floor as she walked over. Sara fiddled with the fabric of the sheets as she felt the bed dip and Ava sat down next to her hip.

“I wanted to apologize for earlier. You were right, you can take care of yourself and I shouldn’t have put the tracker on you. I’m sorry Sara.”

“Thank you,” Sara said, reaching out to her. Ava captured her hand and gave it a squeeze. “But I was wrong to run off like that. It was stupid and you were right, I could have gotten hurt. I did get hurt.”

Ava sucked in a breath and Sara could tell that she was trying not to freak out and calmly asked. “Are you alright?”

“I scraped my knees, and I nearly broke my ankle, but I’m fine now. Gideon fixed me up and everything, but it made me realize that I can’t just blindly walk around alleyways.”

Ava sighed and leaned in, pulling her in for a hug and just holding her for a moment. “I’m sorry Sara, I know how much of an adjustment this is and how hard this is for you.”

“I’m blind now,” Sara said, it was the first time she had let the reality be spoken between them. 

“Yeah,” Ava said as Sara felt her nod against her shoulder. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t go where you want to anymore. We can make it so that you can at least walk around the Waverider. Then you can learn to walk with a guide dog or a cane or something, I’m not exactly sure what you need, but we can get it.”

“Gideon said that there’s a blind school in Star City that offers O&M training and they can teach me how to walk with a cane.”

“That sounds great,” Ava said, pulling back. “How soon can you start?”

“I’m not sure,” Sara said with a shrug. “Gideon’s going to set up a meeting, maybe we can do that tomorrow.”

“Yeah, that sounds good,” Ava said, reaching up and cupping her cheek. “Is there anything else you want to do tonight? Most of the Legends are still at the concert, but Mick and Lita are back because it’s a school night.”

“I think I’m ready to go to bed,” Sara said, pulling Ava down until she laid next to her.

“Sara, I’ve still got this punk rock outfit on,” Ava complained as Sara wrapped her arms around her and held on tight.

“Just till I fall asleep?”

“Okay,” Ava said, leaning in to kiss her forehead. 

“Goodnight baby,” Sara said, smiling as she leaned over to kiss Ava. 

“Goodnight, my love.”

[ranger-of-estel]

Could you do a Captain Canary meeting their future daughter and finding out she's following in their footsteps and became a vigilante/timetraveler?

So I apologize this has taken forever to answer, but hopefully it doesn’t disappoint. Personally I rather liked the way it came out, may add it to my list of possible AUs for the future.

Captain Canary - EstablishedAll the fluff

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

               Sara and Leonard board the Waverider, hands clasped between them. “We definitely waited to long between date nights.” Sara states, smiling over at him, “thank you.”

               “You did most of the planning this time.” Len shrugged, tugging her closer to his side. “I’m just glad to see the ship in once piece.” Sara chuckles as they make their way to the bridge. The halls are quieter than usual, but neither is immediately concerned by it. At least until they reach the bridge, pausing at the sight before them.

               There are a pair of strangers focused intently on something at the hollotable. One is a tall young man with brown hair. His broad shoulders accented by a snug shirt, and comfortable jeans. The second is a young woman; athletic build with a small gun holstered to her thigh and what Sara believes are throwing knives at her waist. Her dark hair falls in soft curls over her shoulders of her red shirt, skinny jeans accentuating her curves until they disappear into boots.

               Sara’s just begun reaching for a knife when the other woman turns, crystal blue eyes narrowing at the pair. “What are you doing here?”

               “This is my ship,” Sara responds, crossing her arms.

               “Who the hell are you?” Leonard’s gaze narrows.

               “Gideon?” The young woman tosses a confused glance toward the ceiling.

               “My apologies, Captain Lance.” The A.I. replies. “It would appear that our guests aren’t from the same point in the timeline as we are.”

               “Lance?” Sara asks, glancing from the ship to the other woman.

               “This is, awkward,” the woman frowns.

               Before anyone can comment a new voice joins the mix. “Hey Laurel, I’m getting some weird readings from – “ The new young woman cuts off as she enters the bridge. Brown eyes light up as she sees them. “Uncle Lenny!” She sprints forward, nearly tackling Leonard. Her arms locking around him, “I didn’t know you were visiting!”

               Normally Sara would laugh at Len’s what the hell?? Look, but right now she’s to focused on the woman across from her. “Laurel…Lance?”

               The other woman nods, gives a small smile. “You always say you named me after the strongest woman you knew.” She gives a soft laugh, “Ollie says I look like her when I start to argue.” She glances at Len, whos shaking his head at the young scientist, his niece, while she chatters away. “You always say I’m more like dad, but with aunt’s moral compass.”

               Leonard’s attention is caught now, Laurel shooting him a bemused smile. “Hey, dad.”

               “So,” Leonard drawls, looking between the three women. “Second generation Legends?”

               Laurel nods, “couple years now.”

               “What about you?” He looks over at the other young man.

               “Me?” he looks almost surprised to be called upon, dragging his eyes from the schematic on the table. “Michael Palmer, but everyone calls me Mick.” He smiles at Sara, “nice to see you, Captain.” After a moment his attention shifts to the youngest girl, “Claire, what were you saying about readings?”

               “Oh,” she shrugs. “In light of…well, this.” She motions to Sara and Len. “I’d say it’s probably their Waverider landing in the area.”

               Len glances to his daughter with a smirk, “mind giving us a lift?”

               Laurel grings, reminding him immensely of Sara. “I think we can arrange that.”

               “Well,” Michael looks between the pair, “at least now we know why you were so intent we come out here.”

               “Instead of enjoying our shore leave, I might add.” A man in his late twenties enters the room, throwing Sara an achingly familiar smile.

               “Stien?” Len raises a brow.

               “Just Ronny, please.” He looks between them, then glances up. “Gideon, are you sure it Is safe to be in close proximity to the other Waverider?”

               “As long as we don’t touch it we’ll be fine.” Claire answers with a shrug.

               “Miss Ramon is correct,” Gideon replies. “I’ve located the other ship, whenever you are ready, Captain.”

               “Fire up the engines –“ Sara and Laurel stop, laughing before Sara dips her head. “Your ship, Captain.”

               Laurel just grins, and they buckle in for the short trip. They touch down in a clearing across from the second ship. “Guess this our stop,” Sara looks over the group of young heroes.

               Laurel smiles, “don’t worry, you’ll be seeing plenty of us before you know it.” She and Sara share a short embrace, then she moves to Leonard. There’s a gentleness, and adoration in her eyes that makes his stomach do a little flip. “See you later, dad.” She leans up to press a kiss to his cheek.

               “Captain,” Gideon interrupts. “It would appear Miss Queen has also boarded the incorrect ship.”

               Laurel swears, and Sara grins. “Miss Queen? Ollie has a girl?”

               Laurel nods, motioning that she’ll walk them out. “I should go get her before she picks a fight with your Constantine.”

               Leonard smirks, “that sounds like a story.”

               “Oh, you’ll be there for it.” She assures him, amusement dancing in her eyes.

               Once they are outside the hatch of the other Waverider opens. Mick is leading a woman about Laurel’s age out. She has dark hair pulled into a low ponytail, a small bow and quiver slung onto her back. She has Felicity’s eyes and height, but her strong shoulders and defined features scream Ollie.

               “Cass,” Sara hears Laurel give a longsuffering sigh, walking closer to the other woman. “You punched him, didn’t you?”

               The other woman shrugs, “he deserved it.”

               “You realize he doesn’t know that yet, right?” Laurel cocks her head slightly.

               “Doesn’t know what?” Constantine glares from the cargo ramp, glass of ice held to his cheek.

               “Not important,” Laurel shakes her head, giving Cassandra a behave look that Sara knows is similar to the one she gives Len. Which brings her attention to the way the second woman is leaning into her daughters space. Laurel offering an almost smile as she bumps the other woman’s shoulder affectionatly with her own.

               “Beautiful, badass…our daughter has good tast.” Sara grins. Leonard makes an amused sound, offering a small nod as Sara’s hand slips into his.

               “What’s so funny?” Cassandra glares.

               “Just thinking how much I’ll enjoy seeing your father when he learns the daughter of a thief stole your heart.” Len drawls with a shrug.

               Laurel flushes at the comment, suddenly looking like a teenager who’s been caught. But it quickly shifts into realization. “Wait! That means you’ve known this whole time!”

               Cassandra laughs, offering a quick bow of her in greeting. “As much as we’d love to stay.” She glances to where John is still glowering from the Waverider door. She grins, then slips her hand into Laurel’s, tugging her toward the ship. Laurel rolls her eyes and Sara laughs, she and Len waving farewell before turning to board their own ship.

               “What was that about?” Constantine frowns, still half glaring at the departing ship.

               “A story for another time.” Sara replies, ushering the crew back inside.

               Mick smirks, offering a knowing look before chuckling. “Congrats,” he walks down the hall before either can respond.

               The pair make their way to the Captain’s quarters. Sara moves to sit on the bed while Len shrugs out of his jacket. “We have a daughter,” Sara states, looking up at Len.

               “A daughter who captain’s the Waverider.”

               “I didn’t think I could,” Sara’s hand goes to her stomach, “after the pit.”

               Leonard hums in agreement, “I never planned to…after Lewis…”

               “Hey,” Sara reaches out, hand finding his. “You won’t be him,” she gives a breathy laugh. “In fact, she seemed to still like us both.”

               Leonard chuckles at that, sitting on the bed next to her. “If she comes out a hero, we must not do to badly.”

               Sara bumps her shoulder into him, “looks like you make a pretty great uncle too.”

               He smiles, “she reminded me of Lisa at that age.” He looks down at her, brow furrowing slightly, “does this mean we’re supposed to settle down?”

               Sara scoffs, “absolutely not.” She kicks off her shoes, scooting further onto the bed. “We’ll just slow down a little.”

               “Mm,” he toes off his shoes by the nightstand, following her up the bed. “That doesn’t sound so bad.” He leans down to kiss her softly.

               She smiles into the kiss, which she reciprocates before snuggling into his side. “Officially the weirdest end to a date yet.”

               He chuckles, arm wrapping around her shoulders. “Let’s hope it stays that way, I don’t need anymore surprises from the future.” She hums her agreement, conversation turning to other things until they doze off together. Each dreaming of a future they’d never believed possible.

[stillthewordgirl]

CaptainCanary fic: With Eyes Wide Open (ch. 1 of ?)

In a world where Rip Hunter never formed the Legends, Leonard Snart is trying to mend his ways and work with Team Flash, though sometimes it's easier than others. Meanwhile, Sara Lance is gradually dealing with the blood lust left behind by the Pit and trying to get used to being a hero again herself. When they encounter each other one day in Central City, it seems like a match that just might be meant to be.

But nothing with these two is ever easy.

*

This is going to be an accidental pregnancy fic, one in which both contributors to said pregnancy decide to continue their relationship and do their best with it. If you don't like such things, be warned.

I don't usually write this trope, but an idea grabbed me. Hope you enjoy. And happy birthday to Tavyn and crazygirlne! (And many thanks to Pir8grl!)

Can also be read here at AO3 or here at FF.net.

*

Leonard Snart doesn’t really want to be here.

Sure, he’d been kinda working with the Flash and the other heroes for a few years now. He’d done that of his own free will, even, driven by the need for something new, for a challenge, for yet another way to prove that he wasn’t (and would never be) his father. And while the CCPD (and some of the more general populace) still weren’t sure what to make of the change in Captain Cold, he was generally accepted as being more or less on the side of the angels these days.

(Of course, he kept his hand in. Wouldn’t do to let the old skills slide. But as long as Team Flash and the CCPD don't know, no harm done. Right?)

Still, even though he’d been one of those who’d helped quash this newest threat to the city—a tech-talented meta who’d gone the giant-robots-for-world-domination route—this celebration at STAR Labs is a little...squeaky clean for him. Boring, even. Heroes from a couple of different cities earnestly rehashing the fight, comparing notes and costumes and tech, exclaiming as they run across old friends. (They all seem to know each other. It’s a little creepy.)

Someone had acquired beer and pizza—they’d probably even paid for it, given this lot—and Ramon’s put on some music. Nothing to Len’s taste, of course, just modern crap with an awful lot of bass and no intelligible words. It’s become a real party, with a few people dancing (if you can call it that) and a great deal of laughter.

Ugh.

Leonard himself is slouching in a chair off to the side of the cortex, watching them all from hooded eyes, abandoned beer at his side. He kind of wishes that Mick was here, just to have someone to help him mock the whole thing—but he and Mick are on the outs again, over the fact that Leonard’s still hanging on to this “weird hero gig” (in Mick’s words) and hasn’t given up and gone back to a life of crime. 

It’s not going to happen—at least, Leonard’s pretty sure it’s not. But Mick won’t accept that. (It’d hurt, if Leonard allowed himself to actually think about it. He doesn’t. Much.)

He’s not sure why he hasn’t left this stupid party. Maybe because Lisa’s still here, teasing Ramon out on the “dance floor,” and he wants to keep an eye on that. Maybe because it’s entertaining, at least, to be the one to puncture Allen’s high spirits over a fight that’d gone so well.

Maybe because he’s a little bored lately, looking for a new challenge and occupation, and at least this keeps him from backsliding. Maybe he’s...actually a little lonely.

Maybe it’s partly her.

He’s never seen her here before, the blonde in white who seems as alone as he is, just on the other side of the room. She’s just a little on the short side, lean muscle and long, golden hair and fierce blue eyes, and she’s fought like he’d never seen before. No powers short of being an utter badass, as far as he can tell, but that just makes her more interesting.

She’d been assigned with both him and that Atom nitwit to the city’s South Side, and he hadn’t caught her name. Some sort of a bird-themed hero moniker? He doesn’t recall, mostly because the incredible shrinking schmuck hadn’t shut up enough to let either of them get a word in edgewise. But once they’d been on site and the fighting started, she hadn’t needed words.

Her actions did plenty of talking.

Leonard gives his head a shake, chasing away the recollection of poetry and mayhem in motion, and stood, stretching and glancing across the room again. She also looks like she’d almost rather be anywhere else, and he’s not too sure why she hasn’t left yet.

Maybe the same reason he hasn’t.

Which is to say, maybe neither of them is really sure.

He should probably leave. Insult Allen one last time, scare Ramon, say goodbye to Lisa, and get outta Dodge.

But he doesn’t. In fact…

“I don’t recommend that stuff. Don’t know who bought it, but I’d suggest waterboarding them with the crap.”

The blonde looks up from her perusal of the beer as Leonard strolls toward her. She lifts an eyebrow, but he also sees her lips twitch just a little, and she puts the unopened bottle back down in its nest of ice.

“Suspected as much,” she says smoothly, folding her arms and considering him. “Thanks for the warning.”

“Least I could do.” Leonard parks his hip against the desk beside her, pauses, then inclines his head. “Didn’t catch your name earlier. Our ‘teammate’ was talking too much.”

“He’s prone to that.” Her lips twitch again, but she nods, considering him. “Sara Lance. White Canary.” She glances away, across the room, toward said “teammate.” “From Star City, like Ray. When Barry called for help, there was a lot going on. I...my sister asked me to come.”

Sister...he’s heard of Laurel Lance, even met her once. He hadn’t realized there was another Canary. “And was it all you’d dreamed?”

That gets a low laugh, one that sounds sincere. (He feels vaguely victorious.) Sara glances around, then shrugs, looking back at him. “Well, it was nice to get to hit things for a while. I’m not really sure I fit in with this gang though. They’re just so...so...”

“Shiny? Annoying? Heroic?”

“Hmmm. All of the above?” Sara studies him. “I know you’re Captain Cold,” she admits finally, “but I didn’t catch your name either.”

Leonard bites back a surge of dismay that she hasn’t heard of him. He’d thought his heel-face turn had made enough news, both publicly and in the circles these people moved in, that he was quite recognizable, in more ways than one. Still…

“Leonard. Leonard Snart,” he says smoothly. “Nice to meet you, Sara.”

That gets an actual smile. “I have heard of you,” she admits, “but I wanted to be sure.” A pause. “I’ve been…out of town, out of touch, a lot, of the past few years.”

It’s mentioned in a way that’s curiously both apologetic and oddly confrontational, and Leonard cocks his head at her, wondering. “OK,” he drawls. “Well. I’m me.” He holds his hands out to either side and smirks at her. “Central City’s most wanted.”

Sara gives him a wry look at the innuendo in his tone. “I thought you reformed.”

Her tone is teasing. Leonard lets his smile grow. “Well,” he returns, folding his arms. “I did. Sort of.” He pauses. “As far as any of the heroes know, anyway.”

“Well, you’re telling me.” Her tone is dry.

“Are you a hero? You said you didn’t think you quite fit in this lot.”

He regrets the flippant words nearly immediately, though, because a shadow crosses Sara’s face—although she seems to try to force it away nearly immediately. She shrugs, glancing away and toward the others, then back at him.

“Maybe not,” she says quietly. “But I’m trying.”

Sympathy is unexpected. But there it is, and Leonard finds that he doesn’t want to fight it.

“Yeah,” he admits, even more quietly. “Me too.”

And then, after another moment of quiet in which the two of them regard each other, he abruptly, uncharacteristically, takes a chance. “Wanna get out of here?”

Sara lifts her eyebrows at him. “And…what?”

It’d been so much a whim that he’s not sure, but he’ll be damned if he lets on. “Some decent bars around here. Bars that aren’t so…stuffy. Cheap beer that’s better than this shit. High chance of punching.”

He’s right. Her eyes brighten. “Yes. Please.”

*

Sara lurks in the corners, watching as this Leonard Snart bids a laughing young woman…well, a woman about her own age…farewell, glaring at Cisco Ramon in the process, then fades away into the crowd. She shakes her head, amused, then heads for one of the exits herself.

She can’t help smiling about it, though. This Snart—god, that name—has managed to intrigue her more than she’d ever expected. He’s hot, that helps…those eyes, that lean, muscular build--but Sara hasn’t really thought much about that sort of thing since the Pit. It’s a surprise that the knowledge keeps nagging at her, stirring her awareness and attention.

And to be honest, the sheer degree of understanding in his expression was even more of a draw. He just seemed to get how she was feeling, an assassin—former assassin--there in the midst of all those heroes. Given his own origins, Sara can understand that, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t appreciate the understanding all the more.

Briefly, she wonders if Snart knows who she is, beyond her name and maybe her connection to Laurel. Likely not. Since she’d arrived in Central City, it’s become apparent that although Barry and co. know the basics of what had happened to her with the Pit, the Laurel and the others in Star City had stayed quite close-mouthed about any details.

And Snart, while seemingly accepted and welcomed into the group here, seems to linger on the outside enough that he probably doesn’t know even that.

Sara pauses outside the building, listening carefully, then turns at the faintest of sounds, watching as Leonard strolls out of the twilight toward her. He moves quietly—though more, she thinks, by habit than any desire to surprise her—and she sees the appreciation in his eyes as he realizes just how quickly she’d marked him.

By all her instincts, it’s mingled with other appreciation too—she hadn’t missed him watching her across the room earlier or the smooth and thorough once-over as he’d introduced himself. But her instincts are telling her something else, too, and given how long it’s been since she’s felt this growing ripple of attraction for someone, it’s something she wants to be clear on.

“So,” she asks him innocently as Leonard starts sauntering away from the building and she falls into step besides him. “How’s the gay scene in Central? I haven’t been out here much.”

Those blue eyes flicker her way, and Sara sees a smile touch his mouth. But he doesn’t stop, and he doesn’t seem surprised.

“Not bad. I’m told,” he says in that sexy drawl. “It’s not really my style. I tend to keep to myself.” He pauses. “Excellent gaydar, though. I’m pan, if you’re looking for a label.”

Ah ha. Sara nods, accepting both the tacit confirmation that he could very well be attracted to her and the suggestion that he’s not usually one to just...hook up randomly. She finds she’s rather pleased at both.

“And you?” The tone is curious and cordial. They’re both testing the waters here.

“Ah.” She glances his way. “Bi.”

That doesn’t make his gaze so much as flicker. Instead, he just nods, and they walk on.

*

Was that question the gentle bit of fishing for information that he thinks it was, instead of an actual query about the scene? He’s pretty sure it was.

Or was she just suggesting she’d rather go somewhere like that, the queer bars down on Morse Street? But then why would she just drop it instead of asking? Although he had said it wasn’t really his style...

There are reasons he doesn’t really do the dating thing, Leonard thinks grumpily. He’s not used to second-guessing himself like this. He’s not used to caring enough to second-guess himself.

Why does he?

But Sara’s speaking again, as they walk, and he listens.

“So,” she says, "I get the impression you wanted out of there as much as I did. Why’d you even hang around? After the fighting was over, of course. You live in Central; presumably you have a place to go.”

“Mmmm.” He turns left at an intersection, crosses the street with Sara pacing him, still considering his words. “Good question. My sister was there...”

“Golden Glider.”

“Mmhmm. And that meant I was...obliged...to put the fear of me into Ramon.” He smirks at her as she rolls her eyes. “What?”

“The ‘protect the baby sister’ act? Really?” She flashes a grin at him. “Would you do it if it was a girl she was flirting with?”

“Would. And have.” He points at her. “Don’t get any ideas.”

Sara chuckles. Leonard finds he really likes the sound. Enough that he wants to get her to do it again.

What the hell is happening to him?

But there’s no more time for confessions at the moment, though, because they’ve arrived at the very dive bar he’d had in mind. It’s not Saints & Sinners—people know him there, and he finds he doesn’t really want to be known right now—and frankly he’s not even sure it has a formal name. But there’s neon in the dark windows, a whiff of cigarette smoke about the place although Central has banned smoking in restaurants for years, and a scarred, heavy door with a handle polished smooth by years of hands. So many of the harbingers of a “good” local dive.

Sara hums in appreciation, looking at it. She reaches out and pulls open that heavy door, and they move inside.

The bar looks, Leonard thinks, rather like a throwback to the ‘70s. There’s a jukebox in the corner, faded posters on the walls, and more of the scarred, heavy wood like that of the door…the tables, the bar, the support beams. There’s even a disco ball hanging from the ceiling. And, of course, there are the incurious eyes of a dozen or more biker-ish types, all denim and bandanas for the men and short-shorts and crop tops for the women.

And here’s Sara in her white leather and him in his black, sauntering in like ying and yang, and oh hell, this is going to be trouble.

He finds he welcomes it.

Beers are acquired—not so much better than that crap at STAR Labs, but that doesn’t seem to matter anymore—and Sara takes a sip of hers, giving Leonard a thorough once-over of her own as someone messes with the jukebox behind them, starting up a song that seems vaguely familiar.

“You want to dance, Leonard?” she asks then, gaze challenging.

Don’t mess around…

“You go right ahead,” he tells her. “I’ll watch.”

There’s a gleam in her eyes, and she hands him her beer. “Suit yourself.”

And she walks out, into an empty space that could barely be called a dance floor, and starts to move.

Hell.

Ain’t gonna set you free now…

Leonard keeps the smirk on his lips and his eyes on her steadily, doing his best not to let on to the intensity of his reaction. It’s inexplicable, really. He barely knows her, and he tends to need to know someone before being truly attracted.

But both body and mind and…he won’t admit to heart being a part of this…are. They’re attracted. Very much so.

Then the inevitable happens. The burly man who accosts Sara clearly isn’t politely offering a drink—and her response, glancing toward the dark-haired woman he’d left at the bar, is just as clear. And—just as inevitably—he grabs her.

Crack.

The man yells. Several of his buddies converge on them. And Sara glances over her shoulder at Leonard.

“I got this,” she assures him.

Of course she does.

When those girls start hanging around

Talking me down…

Watching her fight is even better than watching her dance. Leonard tries not to be obvious about swallowing, working some moisture into his dry throat.

He almost glances over his shoulder involuntarily, to give Mick that “are you seeing this?” look. But Mick isn’t there; Mick doesn’t understand why he’s doing what he’s doing these days, doesn’t want to understand why Leonard wants to change, and that hurts—it always hurts—but maybe it hurts a tiny bit less, because—he suddenly thinks, with the shock of realization--Sara does.

She gets it.

Hear with your heart and you won't hear a sound…

She’s amazing, but either the first idiot had a lot of friends or there are simply a lot of people up for a barfight tonight. No sooner has Sara swept the floors with the first lot than more are converging.

She glances at Leonard again. “Now I could stand for a little help.”

He doesn’t need to be asked twice.

'Cause I really love you

Stop, I'll be thinking of you

Look in my heart and let

Love keep us together…

*

“Dad?”

Joe West looks around as he shrugs his coat on, smiling at his daughter. However, that smile quickly runs away as he digests the concern on Iris’ face. “What’s wrong?” “Oh....” Iris shrugs, but the concern is still there. “Nothing, probably. Have you seen Sara?”

“Sara Lance?” Joe glances around involuntarily, but the blond woman, of course, isn’t in sight. The celebration has started breaking up a little, but most of the assorted hero types in Central City to help Team Flash with…what had Cisco named that guy? He forgets…are still there.

“Not in a while.” He studies her. “You worried about something?”

“She was really quiet. And you know, she’d been gone for so long…” Iris bites her lip, then shakes her head. “I’m sure it’s fine. She probably just went for a walk.”

“Who’s she staying with?” One of the drawbacks to getting so much help was then trying to find couches for everyone to crash on.

“Caitlin. Who also hasn’t seen her in a while. And Sara doesn’t have a key to her place.”

“Hmm.” Joe sighs. “I’ll keep an eye out. But she probably just needed some air…or decided she wanted to go get some rest.” He winks at his daughter. “I don’t think the lack of a key would stop Sara.”

Iris smiles reluctantly. “True.” She hugs him. “ ’Night, Dad. Say hi to Cecile.”

“Of course I will.”

His daughter turns away, moving back to where Barry, Ray Palmer, Professor Stein and Jax are good-naturedly debating something, and Joe sighs, giving the rest of the room one last scan. And then another, because his mention of breaking-and-entering has called another “hero” to mind.

He’s still not completely convinced that Leonard Snart has changed his spots, though the man was certainly helpful enough today—and has been for a while now, honestly. Barry’s tendency to see the best in everyone is source both of amusement and occasional consternation, but maybe (Joe admits) he had it right this time.

Maybe.

The former criminal had probably ghosted out the door earlier with some of the better booze Joe knows perfectly well that Wells has tucked away. That’s not Joe’s hill to die on.

He’s no sooner out of the door from STAR Labs, though, when his phone—his work phone—rings. With a sign, he answers, getting into his car and leaning back against the seat.

“What now,” he says, closing his eyes. “After everything…”

Then he listens.

“Yeah, I’m near there. I’ll stop. But…OK, OK. Just a few minutes.”

It’s a dive bar not so far from STAR Labs, really. Joe’s not sure it even has a name that hasn’t been lost to time. He sees the flashing lights—a few patrol cars, an ambulance—and finds a parking spot, then leaves his car and walks toward the scene, wondering again why the lieutenant had called him.

He finds out soon enough.

“Hi, Joe!” Sara Lance says, sounding much too chipper, a smile on her face as she leans against the brick wall of the abandoned house next to the bar. She’s still in her White Canary outfit, which is presumably how the lieutenant had identified her. Joe stops in his tracks and stares at her, then allows his gaze to drift slowly sideways to the smirking visage of Leonard Snart, who inclines his head slowly toward the detective.

Joe takes a deep breath. Thanks his lucky stars that at least the lieutenant had called him rather than simply arresting two people hailed as heroes earlier in the day in the city. And then fixes his gaze on Sara and decides to ignore Snart for the time being.

“What,” he says carefully, “did you do?”

Sara’s chin goes up. “Just wanted a drink. And someone wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

Joe takes his hat off and runs a hand over his face. “You sent…eight? Nine?...people to the hospital with mild to moderate injuries. And there are more who wouldn’t go.”

“Yes?” Sara’s tone is a mix of obdurate and innocent and oddly pleased with herself. It’s a strange combo. “It was all self-defense.”

“Of course it was.” Joe shakes his head, then looks at Snart. “And you,” he says with a sigh. “You get your record clean and this is what you do with it?

Snart’s smirk grows. “Didn’t do anything,” he drawls. “Just helped the lady here take out some trash.”

There’s an interesting note in his voice. Is he...

Joe glances back and forth between the two briefly. Oh, hell. If this isn’t trouble in the making, he’s not sure what is.

But he’ll be damned if he’s going to give Leonard-friggin-Snart a lecture on hooking up with a cop’s daughter—or Sara Lance a lecture about doing the same with a “reformed” crook.

Joe draws in a long breath again, then lets it out and jerks his thumb away from the scene. “Get outta here.”

The pair look at each other, then back at him, faces unreadable.

“Seriously. I’m not explaining this to your father,” he says to Sara. “And I’m not explaining to the press why you got locked up for…self-defense…just hours after helping save the city.” He glances at Snart. “And, oddly enough, the bar owner doesn’t want to press any charges.”

“Imagine that,” Snart drawls, inspecting his nails.

“Right. Imagine. Now, get outta here. And Sara, text Iris. She’s worried about you.”

*

Sara: Hi. Im fine! Don’t worry.

Sara: Joe told me to tell u.

Iris: OMG you just vanished! Where RU?

Sara: Out. Having fun. Don’t wait up

Iris: Alone?

Sara: Nope. 😊

Iris: Sara Lance…

Iris: Did U hook up????

Iris: With someone from here????

*

Sara turns the sound off on her phone and tucks it away again, grinning to herself. She turns to Leonard, who’s been watching her without comment, and lifts an inquiring eyebrow, a clear “What’s next?”

His lips twitch. They’d moved off into the shadows after Joe had turned away, but neither of them had, quite clearly, wanted to go back to STAR Labs. Sara had obliged the detective’s request, but now she’s watching Leonard with another gleam in her eye and a challenge in her expression.

Leonard doesn’t, quite frankly, want another bar brawl, no matter how much fun it would be. (He’d slipped the bar owner enough cash to keep his mouth shut, but he doesn’t particularly want to do that again either.)

But there’s something both a little wild and a little longing about the woman with him; Leonard doesn’t know quite what it is, but he’s not going to let her down now. So he leans a little closer and says, “Wanna see the Central City Museum?”

It’s not what Sara expects. She considers him momentarily until a smile suddenly lights up her face, the gleam in her eyes brightening. “After hours, I take it?”

“In a…manner of speaking.”

“Isn’t that across the city?”

She’s right. It’d be quite a hike, and Leonard had left his motorcycle back at STAR Labs. Still, he smirks at her. “Wasn’t that guy whose nose you broke wearing a Nickel City Swords hat? The one who went to the hospital to get a possible concussion checked out?” That hadn’t, as a matter of fact, been his or Sara’s fault. The guy’s buddy had intended to break a chair over Leonard’s head and…missed.

“Yeeesss?”

He takes a step toward the street. “What would the odds be?”

Sara looks…and grins at the sight of a Nickel City Swords bumper sticker on the small red car there. “And he’s not going to be looking for it right away, if I know the emergency rooms this time of night.”

“Indeed.” Leonard stretches his fingers. “I can…”

“No need.” Sara’s already moving toward the car. “I got this, too.”

*

Leonard’s impressed. Obviously impressed, although he doesn’t say a word and lets Sara go to work on the car without more than a raised eyebrow and look of appreciation. And she likes that, she finds, likes his assumption of competence without even question. Instead, he stands guard, watching her back, and only takes the driver’s seat when she asks him to, after the engine roars (well, sputters) to life a few minutes later.

It’s…alluring.

She’d had no more than a sip of weak beer, Sara thinks, looking out the window of the “borrowed” car as the city slips back around them, but she feels a bit drunk. Giddy. Part of it’s because the bloodlust hadn’t taken over in the barfight, and she thoroughly pleased and relieved by this. Part of that is because she’s with a handsome man who seems quite impressed by her skill set and doesn’t seem to give a rat’s ass about her past.

Of course…he doesn’t really know about all of it.

“Where’d you learn to fight like that?”

Lovely timing. Sara turns her head at Leonard’s low murmur, studying his profile. And then she takes a leap.

“League of Assassins,” she tells him baldly, counting on the likelihood that a former career criminal will know of what she speaks. “Kind of a long story how I got there, but I was with them for years. Not anymore, though.”

The league doesn’t—generally—let its people go, and he’s likely to know that, too.

There’s a moment of considering silence. Sara, watching, sees Leonard lift his eyebrows. He doesn’t seem concerned, though, and there’s no moment of disbelief or revulsion—both of which she’s seen far too often in people who are supposed to be on her side.

A drawled “impressive” is the only comment.

Sara smiles.

*

Oh, Leonard’s impressed all right. Impressed, and curious, and more than a little turned on.

OK, well, he’d been that already, but he’s always found competence sexy, and danger nearly as much. Sara is very distinctly both competent and dangerous, and combined with her obvious intelligence and other attributes, it’s all one very gorgeous package.

Down, boy.

No wonder she seems to get him, the crook who’s trying to find his place amidst heroes, if she’s an assassin who’s trying to do that same. And he hadn’t missed the look on her face when he had simply accepted her words without judgment or distaste.

He gets it.

He parks about a block away, and they leave the car, Leonard leading the way toward the museum—not the front entrance, of course, but one of the little-used side entrances for employees. He hadn’t really been prepared to do a little breaking-and-entering tonight, but…

Oh, who is he kidding? He’s always prepared.

They find a place nearby to watch unseen, and Leonard waits until he sees a security guard appear in the small pool of light by the door. The woman pauses, glancing around, then radios in to report the all-clear to the main security office. Leonard knows how it works. He makes…made it his business to know how it all works.

Then she continues on her route, going around the corner, and Leonard moves, Sara right on his heels. He pauses behind a pillar as the overhead camera sweeps by, then moves again as it turns slowly in the other direction, pulling out his lockpicks.

He has a minute. He only needs…let’s see, 42 seconds. And then they’re in, the door closed securely behind them.

Sara lets out a breathless, near-silent laugh—but she gives him an inquiring look before saying anything. Leonard nods, and she laughs a little louder, shaking her head.

“That was amazing,” she tells him, glee in her voice. “We’re OK in here?”

“Yep. They don’t have cameras on most of the areas inside. And indoor security guards only during the day. Gotta love budget cuts.” He glances at her, then decides it doesn’t make sense to ignore what she’d told him not long ago. “Picking the lock, you mean? I’d think maybe that’d have been something you learned in your…previous line of work.”

Sara’s lips curve in an expression that’s not quite a smile.

“Not really,” she demurs, looking around the entryway. “We generally went…other routes.” Her eyes are serious again as she looks at him. “I like your way better.”

Ah. But Leonard leaves the implication alone. Instead, he just holds an arm out with a slight flourish, inviting her into the museum at large. “Now. What would you like to see?”

*

Iris is studying her phone as she walks down the corridor in STAR Labs. She really would have rather been home by now—it’s been a long day—but the puzzle of Sara’s whereabouts is still nagging at her, especially since she thinks she has all those who’d been at the lab earlier accounted for. She glances up briefly as she emerges into the Cortex, registering that Barry is standing there waiting for her, but glances back down nearly immediately, sending one more annoyed text before putting the device away.

“I don’t get it,” she sighs, looking up at her husband. “She’s still ignor…”

The look on Barry’s face makes her stop. “What? Is everything OK? Barry…”

He holds out a hand hastily, though, reassuring her although that dubious expression is still there. “It’s OK. I think. Just…” Barry lets out a long breath. “Um. Well. Snart’s motorcycle is still parked outside. And no one’s seem him in hours. He was here, with everyone else. And then…he wasn’t.”

Iris stares at him, absorbing that. “You think that…”

“Erm.” He shrugs, giving her that kind of sheepish grin she usually likes so much. “Well…I suppose if you think about it…I could see them hitting it off…”

Iris frowns at him, just digesting this. “I always…I guess I thought Snart, well, liked guys.”

Barry blinks at her. “No? I…why would you think that?”

His voice is honestly perplexed. Iris stares at him a moment longer, then closes her eyes. After a long minute, she opens them again. Her beloved, sweet, clueless husband—whom Snart flirts with madly whenever possible—is still looking baffled.

“Never mind,” she sighs. “Well…I guess Sara didn’t say she was hooking up. I just got that impression.” She thinks a moment. “Although, Sara likes girls too, so maybe he’s similar. Makes sense.” A reluctant smile crosses her face. “He’s pretty flirty with almost everyone, actually. And he is kinda hot.”

Now Barry looks vaguely appalled. “Snart? Really?”

Dear, sweet baby. “Really.” Iris pauses. “You text him. Ask if Sara’s with him. I just want to be sure she’s OK.”

Barry shakes his head again, but he pulls out his phone.

*

Barry: Is Sara w/U???????

Barry: C’mon, Iris is worried

Barry: Snart…

Leonard: Yes.

Barry: good

Barry: U guys ok?

Barry: Snart?

Leonard: Fine.

Barry: good

Barry: what u doing?

Barry: If u don’t mind saying.

Barry: Iris thinks your hooking up. hahaha

Barry: Snart?

*

Leonard shakes his head, turning his phone off entirely and putting it back in his pocket before glancing at Sara.

The blond woman is standing just a few feet away, studying a painting intently. Leonard’s no kind of fan of modern art, but the colors of this piece are appealing, and Sara certainly seems to be intrigued. After just a minute, though, she turns, grinning at him, and he smiles back.

“I think we’ve seen most of the largest exhibits now,” Leonard says quietly. “Except for the jewelry exhibit.” His smile grows a little. “They did put a camera in there.”

“And why do I think you had something to do with that?”

“No idea.”

Sara laughs at the innocence in his tone. “Yeah? Like sparkly things, do you?”

“I like beautiful things.”

They hold glances for long enough that it feels distinctly warm when they both look away. Leonard clears his throat. “Is there anything else you’d like to see?”

Sara’s lips twitch, but she doesn’t take the (mostly unintended) bait. “We can head out.”

Getting out of the museum is much like getting in, except that no lock-picking is necessary. The two stroll away as if they’ve never thought of such a thing, and Sara keeps a straight face until a block away, when she busts out in giggles.

“Ahhh,” she says, spinning in place. “That was fun. Thank you.”

“Always nice to show off the skills,” Leonard acknowledges. He glances around. “Hm. Want to get a drink now? Without a barfight.”

Sara nods, but gives him a curious look. “Where? I’m presuming we’re leaving the car where it is.”

“I know a place nearby.” It’s on the way back to his apartment, too, but he’s not going to presume.

“Lead on.”

It’s late enough that Saints & Sinners isn’t full, but there are people there. Still, Leonard—despite his…newer occupation—is known, and people don’t fuck with him. Especially since his times on the hero gig tend to be helping the Flash and co. in dealing with metas and bigger problems, not the smaller-time crooks that often congregate here.

They find a booth, and Leonard, after a quiet query, makes his way to the bar, returning with two glasses of a rather nice scotch, if he does say so himself. He pushes one over to Sara without comment, smiling a little as she takes a sip and hums in pleasure, looking back at him.

“Thanks,” she says, then takes another sip, glancing around. “Saints & Sinners, eh?”

“Truth in advertising.” Leonard takes his own drink. He honestly doesn’t drink much, but when he does, it’s the good stuff. (The scent of stale beer, the funk of cheap liquor…these still scream “Lewis” at him, make him want to vomit.) “You good?”

“I am.” Sara studies him, taking another sip. “Tell me. What led you to…to ask me if I wanted to get out of there before? STAR Labs, I mean. Just then.”

Ah. Leonard inspects the amber liquid in his glass, takes another drink. “I was curious,” he admits. “I’d enjoyed watching you fight. And you didn’t look…completely comfortable there.” He pauses. “Rather like me, I guess.”

It strikes a chord; he can tell it does. Sara very nearly takes a gulp of her scotch, coughs, then regards him.

“Thank you,” she says again after a moment.

“You’re welcome.”

*

The scotch is very good.

Sara gets them both a refill after a bit, raising her eyebrows at the cost but paying without a qualm. She takes the glasses back to the table, and they continue talking.

She learns that his sister, Lisa (vaguely to Leonard’s horror) is just about Sara’s age. She learns that the last mark on Leonard’s record before it’d been expunged was the killing of his own father—and why, a tale he tells without a flinch, watching her with calm eyes that nonetheless seem to be watching for any sort of revulsion.

Revulsion Sara doesn’t show. Because she gets it. In fact, she thinks, watching Leonard’s still face, if Lewis Snart was still alive, she very well might go looking for him herself.

To get that look off his face—how has that face become so important to her, in such a short period of time?—she speaks up herself. She tells him more about the League. And then, almost to her surprise, the Amazo. Lian Yu.

At some point, Leonard gets them another drink.  Then Sara—a little buzzed and more than a little reckless--gets them another.

Someone follows her back to the table.

Leonard stands as the other man—a weaselly sort wholly unlike the brawny thug back at the other bar—grabs her arm as she goes to sit down. But he doesn’t butt in, waiting to see what happens.

“You don’t wanna stay with this guy,” the newcomer says, not even looking at Leonard. “He’s a cop squealer, now. If you’re one of us, babe, you’ll want to come with me.”

*

The look on Sara’s face is incredible.

Leonard isn’t sure whether to smirk or sigh as she darts that “are you fucking kidding me?” gaze at him. He keeps his expression mildly interested as he glances at the nitwit holding her, one Ethan Kozarovich, a not-so-bright and relatively small-time thug who’s always thought he was far more than he actually was.

The question in that gaze is unmistakable. And Leonard can’t deny Sara the chance to fulfill it.

“Got your back. But take it outside,” he says quietly, before downing the drink she’d brought him. “Got an agreement here.”

Sara nods. Then she turns that look on Kozarovich—who seems like he’s suddenly, vehemently regretting his life choices—and snaps, “Outside.” Then she downs her own drink, slamming the empty glass down on the table.

“Here is…”

“Outside.”

Kozarovich looks like he wants, quite suddenly, to wet himself.

*

Not so long later, Sara and Leonard are strolling away from Saints & Sinners, both trying (and somewhat failing) to keep from outright laughter.

It shouldn’t feel so good to knock down a minor-league jerk-ass like the Kovarovich, Sara thinks. But it does.

It does because the bloodlust hadn’t taken over. It does because the asshat who’d dared to grab her is still alive, just slightly damaged. It does because Leonard is looking at her with a gleam in his eyes that says just how very impressed he is, and that gleam is doing things to her, things she knows, knows she wants to explore.

It’s been a very, very long time since she’d truly wanted anything like that.

They’re cutting through a park, and Sara spins around in the night air, taking a deep breath and letting it out, then turning to Leonard, who’s watching her intently, pausing in his own stroll.

“I feel alive,” she sighs with a deep, completely pleased sigh, then continuing immediately, recklessly as he watches her. “No, you don’t understand. Leonard…I was dead for a year.”

His steps slow. “Pardon?”

“Dead,” Sara tells him recklessly, looking up at the stars to avoid seeing his face. “Cold and dead. Three arrows to the chest and abdomen. Dead before I hit the ground. I was mourned, I was buried. I…well, presumably I did what dead things do.”

She looks at him, then. “My sister...well, she found a way to bring me back. About two years ago. But I wasn’t...I wasn’t myself for a long time afterward. I’m only starting to feel that way again. But I felt more alive tonight than I have in a very long time.”

If he shows any disbelief…any sort of revulsion…

He doesn’t. He blinks, slowly, and considers her, but years of familiarity with the oddities of Central City—and maybe his own instincts--seem to lead him to believe her.

“That’s amazing,” he says after a moment, as Sara watches him. “But…you’re OK? Now?”

Concern wasn’t what Sara had expected. Of all the possible reactions to this story, she finds she likes that one best.

“I’m OK,” she agrees, then impulsively reaches out and takes his hand, pulling him toward her a little, putting it over her heart, which is beating strongly. Leonard studies her as she looks up into his face, smiling a little, her hand over his own. His own face is very serious, but not in a way that seems problematic.

“Alive,” she repeats. “And happy. And not at all cold.”

After another moment, Leonard cracks a smile.

“No, you don’t feel cold to me,” he says quietly, moving even closer. “And I know cold.”

Sara snickers. “Now, that’s a line.” She pauses, studying serious blue eyes. “You don’t feel cold to me, either.”

“Good.”

And he kisses her.

*

That first kiss is, perhaps, just a little tentative. Exploratory. Both of them seeing if the spark they’ve been feeling is really there.

It is.

The second kiss, after a brief pause for air, is a good deal less tentative. In fact, Leonard, much later, finds bark from the tree he’d been up against pressed into the soft, broken-in leather of his jacket. (It falls to the floor as he shakes the jacket out. In a rare display of sentimentality, he saves a few pieces. Later, they sit in a small bowl on his dresser, with the gold locket Lisa had worn as a kid, his grandfather’s lucky silver dollar, a pack of matches filched from Mick’s coat, and a few other things.)

By mutual agreement, they head for his apartment, the one in city center, acquired by a much-younger Leonard Snart before the area started toward gentrification and still owned today under an assumed name. It’s after midnight, now, and the building is mostly quiet; they don’t see anyone in the hallways or the elevator.

Which is good, because he decides it’s his turn to take the lead, boosting Sara up against the mirrored wall and continuing the kissing.

When the elevator door opens, neither of them is inclined to separate, so Leonard simply carries her down the hallway toward the door, as Sara wraps her legs around his waist and her arms around his shoulders and keeps kissing his neck, his jaw, his mouth, caresses passionate and just a little bit rough in a good way. Somehow, he managed to her his keys out and into the lock, then maneuvers them both into the apartment.

If not quite all the way to the bed.

*

Iris: Sara? Ray’s here. Says u were gonna ride back to Star w/him

Iris: Should he wait?

Iris: Sara, pls let me know your OK.

Sara: I’m good! 😊

Sara: tell him thanks, but I’m staying around here a few days

Iris: OK

Iris: Do I wanna know where?

*

Sara, having fished her phone from the tangle of clothing strewn across the floor, bites back a laugh at the suggested irritation in Iris’ words. She chooses not to respond, putting the phone safely on Leonard’s dresser before turning back to the bed (where they had, ultimately, wound up).

The man in question is sprawled across the surface, nothing more than a sheet tugged over his hips, watching her from hooded eyes, a smile/smirk on his face. They hadn’t fallen asleep until early morning, and although it’s now after noon, he doesn’t look at all inclined to go anywhere. Sara runs her eyes over him, smiling herself, content and relaxed in a way she hasn’t been in a very long time.

They had been very well suited.

“Everything all right?” he drawls.

“Mmhmm. My ride is planning to head back to Star City soon.”

Leonard’s face shows a flicker of…something…but he quickly conceals it. “Ah,” he says quietly. Sara, watching, sees his shoulders tense before he sits up smoothly. “You have to go?”

There’s very definitely disappointment in the words. Which makes it easier and somewhat less awkward to stroll back toward him, smiling, and admit, “No. I said I wanted to stay around here a few days.” She pauses, suddenly feeling awkward anyway. “I mean, I can stay with Caitlin, help Team Flash clean up…”

But there’s a smile in Leonard’s eyes too, and he lowers his lashes again, watching her.

“Or,” he says smoothly, reaching out, catching her wrist gently, pulling her toward him, “you could stay here.”

Sara laughs, relief coursing through her. “But whatever would we do with our time?”

“I’m sure we could think of something.”

[rtheinkqueen]

The Black Canary & Laurel Lance: Part 1

FANDOM: Dc’s Legends of Tomorrow, Arrow

SHIPS: Captain Canary and a hint at Canary Fire

DISCLAIMER: I don’t own DC or any of the Arrowverse characters, I only own my OCs, one of wich will make an appearance by the end of this fic.

SUMMARY: After finding out about Laurel, Sara is devastated, she wants to go back and save her. Rip says the Black Canary’s death is fundamental to the timeline, Gideon agrees but she reveals that so is the life of Laurel Lance. It seems paradoxical and impossible. But is there really something such as impossible when it comes to the Legends? 

This is set before the end of Legends of Tomorrow’s first season, contains spoiler from Arrow 4x18 and 4x19.  

AUTHOR’S NOTES:

This is the first fanfiction I found the courage of posting and I’m really nervous about it so let me know if you like it by reblogging and leaving comments. Also, English isn’t my first language so I apologize for any grammar mistakes or misspellings, I edited it multiple times but I can’t guarantee there still aren’t any. 

 _____________________________________________________________________

As Sara paunched Rip, the room fell silent. The other members of the team were shocked. All except Leonard. Captain Cold was just standing there with his arms crossed, watching his girlfriend as she confronted their captain. He'd seen this coming from the very moment he watched her crying in her father's arms.

"You knew. You drooped us off five months later because you knew!" The blond roared as she pushed him back against the wall.

"Knew what?" Sara completely ignored Jax's question, all her attention focused on the captain, her tone getting even more threatening as she went on "You knew that Laurel was gonna die, and now you're gonna take me back and I'm gonna save my sister."

"I'm afraid…" Rip stated only managing to infuriate Sara more. "You should be afraid!" She hissed, her words sharper than the knife she'd been pointing at the man's throat, the blade now getting closer and closer with every word she spoke.

"I can't allow you…" After hearing that, the former assassin slammed her left hand against the wall, right beside Rip's head, the threat in her voice turning into pure rage.

"I don't care about the timeline. You're taking me back. Now!" She roared.

"Sara I'm sure there is a valid reason…" Raymond started in a cautious tone, obviously trying to calm her down but - to Leonard at least - it was as clear as the sun that the White Canary wasn't going to take any shit. Not from their captain. And most certainly not from him.

"Stay out of this!" She barked back at the scientist.

Captain Cold moved away from the wall he was leaning against when he saw the former time master pulling something out of his pocket as Sara was distracted looking back at Ray. Before he could stop it, there was a flash of white light and his girlfriend began to fall and the floor, the knife she had been holding, slipping out of her hand and on the floor. He launched himself forward managing to catch her just in time. He heard the youngest member of the team shouting something at Rip without understanding a single word, his mind unable to focus on something other than the beautiful woman lying unconscious in his arms.

"What the hell did you do to her Hunter!"

"Miss Lance will be fine, the effects should be gone within the next four or five hours."

The reforming criminal looked over his shoulder at Mick, he didn't say anything but the other man seemed to understand nonetheless. He stepped forward, picked Sara up and gave his partner a significant look before silently leaving the bridge with a still completely unconscious Sara Lance hanging over his shoulder. As they were out of sight, the crook sat up from the floor and turned to their, so-called, captain. "give me one good reason to not freeze your hands off for daring to that to her" he barked at the former time master.

"I had no choice, she wouldn't listen to any of my reasons."

"Oh, so you got reasons for not telling her that her sister, one of the most important people in her life, was going to die? And which exactly are these reasons? Please, enlighten me, captain."

"The timeline stands clearly that the Black Canary's death it's fundamental, it's what gives the Green Arrow and his team the motivation to defeat Demian Darhk. Trying to change it could be catastrophic. In more ways than one."

"Be more specific" Leonard growled and he saw the other men in the room tense out of the corner of his eye, even Mick, who was now back on the bridge and had a beer in his hand.

"If Sara tries to get between her sister and Demian Darhk, Star City will lose not one but both it's canaries." He admitted with a sigh

"Are you sure about this? That there is no way we can save Laurel without Sara dying as well and Darhk still being defeated?" Raymond inquired.

"Yes doctor Palmer, I checked the timeline data with Gideon before recruiting you. But Gideon can reconfir-"

"I'm afraid I can do no such thing, captain" avowed the A.I.

"What do you mean?"

"According to the data currently at my disposal, despite the Black Canary being dead, miss Laurel Lance is destined not only to maintain a presence in the timeline, at least, until the year 2060 but to also have a great, fundamental impact on it. Therefore, captain, I can affirm that there undoubtedly is a way to save miss Lance's sister."

"Are you sure Gideon?" At that Leonard snorted loudly.

"Really Hunter? You questioning Gideon's words now?"

"It's not that, it's just… I thought…"

"Now that I think about it captain, weren't you the one to tell us that the timeline is always in flux? Shouldn't that be even truer now that we destroyed the Oculus?" Questioned Stein.

"You're right. The timeline is always changing, especially when it comes to the future and I suppose we should all just be grateful that it changed in such a positive way… This time at least" The former time master concluded.

They all knew what he was referring to with that last part. It was the reason they had all been recruited in the first place, but they all seemed to agree on the fact that it was better to let it drop.

"Okay then, let's find a way to save Laurel." Exclaimed Raymond.

"Yeah, and since we're at it we should think about how to save Rip as well. Sara won't be too pleased when she wakes up." Jax said.

"kid's right, Blondie's gonna be pissed." Mick agreed.

"Let's hope she'll be too happy to have her sister back to try and kill me again" Rip sighed.

"She might if you all just stop fooling around and we actually start making a plan."Retorted Leonard leaning against the control panel "Gideon?"

"Yes, Mr. Snart?" "Could you monitor Sara and tell me when she wakes up?"

"Of course Mr. Snart"

"Thanks. And now would you please tell every detail regarding Laurel Lance's death?"

After hours of planning, they had everything figured out and the team was ready to go save Laurel. Almost ready. They still had to tell Sara.

"Mr. Snart? I'm glad to inform you Miss Lance has just wake up in her room."

"Thanks, Gideon, is she okay?"

"As far as her vitals are concerned, Miss. Lance is perfectly fine, but the same can't be said about her emotional state." Gideon informed him. Before Leonard could say anything the youngest member of the team spoke up.

"Go talk to her, calm her down and take your time at explaining her everything. We'll be here when you're done."

"Thanks, kid." And with that the - reforming - crook left the bridge, smiling fondly as he heard tell the professor about how he'd come to see the blonde woman as an older sister.

When he finally reached and entered his girlfriend's room, he saw her sitting on the bed looking at a picture with tears in her eyes. Captain Cold's heart - the one he had stopped pretending he didn't have the moment he fell for none other than the White Canary - ached at the sight of those amazing blue eyes, now all puffy and red from crying. He silently walked towards the other side of the room and sat down next to her.

"Sara…" Leonard began but the blonde interrupted him, putting her head on his shoulder, the picture frame now pressed against her chest.

"You know, ever since you were brought back to us, I've been thinking more and more about the future and, while I was out, I dreamed about it too. I dreamed about you meeting Laurel, about you two getting along despite her initial skepticism. About the two of us sitting together with her teasing me about a certain 'walk down the aisle', saying how stunning she'd look as maid of honor." She croaked "I guess it will forever be nothing more than a fantasy." Her voice seemed to break more and more with every word. He couldn't bear it.

"Maybe not," he said and she looked up at him with questioning eyes.

"Gideon told us that, despite the Black Canary being considered death, your sister is destined to maintain a presence in the timeline for, at least, fifty more years and have a great impact on it, as well. So, while you were out, we came up with a plan to save your sister without compromise Darhk's defeat."

"What? There is a way to save my sister and you are telling me just now?" She shouted.

"I began to tell you, but you, oh so rudely, interrupted me, and I, being the gentleman I am, I didn't call you out on it." He responded and Sara laughed.

For the first time since she found out about Laurel's death, Sara Lance actually laughed. It was a rough laugh and still, Leonard couldn't help but think of it as one of the most beautiful sounds in the world.

"Is that so?"

There was a hint of tease in her voice, but the look she gave him as she tilted her head up to kiss him, showed him she knew. She knew he hadn't stopped her before because he understood just how much she needed to take everything off her chest.

"Thank You" she whispered on his lips before they both got up and headed out of the room.

As the crook and the assassin were walking through the corridors of the Waverider, he began filling her in on every detail of the plan.

"So, let me get this straight." she started "We are going to take Laurel out of the hospital and in the med bay before she has the embolism that is supposed to kill her, so Gideon can take care of her. We are going to put a dummy identical to her in her place so that no one else finds out. And we also have to make sure that no one except the people close to us knows that Laurel is the Black Canary." Leonard nodded "Sounds simple" Sara remarked and the man smirked.

"Trying to change our own fate isn't simple either," he said and he saw a smirk forming on the blonde face as well. "But we're going to do it anyways"

"rather is for better or for worse."

When they reached the bridge they found the rest of the team reunited around the control panel, looking at some sort or remote "What's that?"

Hearing her question the five men turned around.

"Sara! it's great to have you back with us, girl. You okay?"

"Yes Jax, I'm fine and I'll be even better once I get my sister back. Now, what's that thing supposed to be?"

"Oh, it's totally cool. Show her Ray!" He answered and she saw Stein roll his eyes at the excitement in the young man's voice.

"This thing, as you call it, will allow us to create a fracture in spac-"

"In English Haircut!" The scientist let out a sighed but started explaining again.

"This little device can create portals from one place to another, in this case, I programmed it to take you straight to the med bay of the Waverider. It's what will get Laurel out of her hospital room."

"And it works?"

"Yes, we already tested it. When you are in Laurel's room, you will just have to press this blue button and the portal will appear. You'll make Laurel walk through it and Mick will pass you the dummy to put in her place. But you'll have to hurry, the connection between places does not last long." He finished.

"Wow I must have been out for quite a few hours if you had time to make this," she said glaring at Rip.

"About that-"

"Don't. even. try. I have better things to do right now that wasting my time listening to your excuses. But I'll tell you one thing, Hunter. Do that ever again and I'll make sure you'll regret it for the rest of your life. Clear?"

When the former time master nodded, Sara turned her attention back to Ray.

"Len was telling me you'll come along to the hospital?"

"Well, yeah. We'll tell them we find out while checking the timeline and then I'll stay outside as you go talk to Laurel."

"Okay then, let's go." Seating in one of the jump-seats with the others following her example.

"Gideon set the route for the time jump" Rip ordered as he adjusted himself into the captain's seat.

"Of course captain. I'm setting a route for Star City, the night of the Black Canary's death."

[crimsondomingo]

Day 1: Historical

For my July AU a Day Challenge

The Tale of Barnabas and Leonidas.

Len had never intended to become a career soldier. He did not know what he would have done, but the normal time served in the military as a citizen with some other occupation when he was not needed would have been fine.

Unfortunately, he did not have many other skills because his father had been next to useless at raising him, even if he was a citizen and from a good family, so all that was left for Len to escape a lifetime of misery doing nothing of value with his father breathing down his neck was a lifetime of fighting instead.

Whether that was still misery, he was not sure yet.

At least he had Mick, his trusty companion and fellow soldier. Mick had married several years ago, a pretty young blond his family had found for him that Len had worried would shy from Mick’s gruffness, but Kara was bold and powerful in her own right and Mick doted on her in the sweetest of ways.

Len could not deny being humbled by their affection at times, because he would have liked a regular companion in his home and his bed besides the young men and women who frequented it only rarely, but his father did not care about arranging anything, which left the duty to Len himself. Len had no idea where to begin, but he was getting older, and if he waited too much longer to take a spouse, he could lose his citizenship. Maybe that had been his father’s plan all along as a final spite.

“Come, Len. You need a new sword, you said.” Mick dragged him down the street. There were no battles to take them from home lately, and should any arise, they were more likely to be ordered to stay and guard those at home. The life of fighting he had expected had turned into a life of leisure, especially with how revered career soldiers could be. “Lance is better than any other blacksmith this side of the city. I already have him and his daughters working on something for you.”

Mick was hardly the gift-giving type. Then Len caught on to what he had said. “Daughters?”

“Unmarried daughters. They forge more than he does. Wait til you see ‘em.”

So that was Mick’s game, hoping to set Len up with someone of interest before time ticked by too long. Len would complain but he knew the dangers in waiting, and women blacksmiths sounded far more interesting than any other citizen’s daughters.

The father greeted them at the door when they arrived with brightness in his expression that said Mick had already laid groundwork for a match. Lance was eager to marry off his daughters, whichever of them Len might prefer. Maybe he was having trouble with them, maybe other men were turned off by women who could wield a hammer. Either way, Lance was happy to see Len, a soldier, coming in to inspect his ‘wares’.

“Your sword is nearly complete, Sir Leon. I assure you it will be finer than any soldier’s weapon. Your friend said to create something for you that no one else could match.”

“I prefer Len to Leon, good blacksmith. But I thank you. Perhaps I’ll inspect the shop and my new blade while the work is finished.”

“Of course! Sir Len. My shop is at your disposal.”

Mick grinned and stayed back to chat with Lance while Len moved slowly through the smithy. He saw one daughter working tirelessly with a stiff and serious face about her that said she was the elder and most expected to be married first, though Len sensed she did not want to meet his eyes and had no interest in marriage. He nodded at her politely nonetheless.

The younger daughter was in back, working on Len’s sword. She met his gaze at his approach as though readying a challenge for him, saying, when this sword is complete, if you are not worthy, I will be the one to slay you with it.

No wonder Lance had trouble marrying her, but she instantly had Len’s attention.

He could not see the sword she sharpened clearly yet, but it looked well-crafted at a glance. He watched in silence, marveling at her skill.

Another woman came out before long, and Len wondered if there were three daughters, for she was blond and lovely like the other two with a strength to her movements, but as she passed the young daughter by the forge, Len saw a look exchanged between them that they tried to keep hidden.

Lovers. Quite deeply in love, Len would guess, even from just that look. The other woman was a servant, maybe a metic even and not a citizen, though better than a slave. There could be no happiness for these two once the daughter was married off though.

Would Len be up for a good deed? Marry the daughter and hire a certain servant to live in their home? Appease everyone? But then what would be left for him? He doubted he could be so selfless forever. He wanted more than rotating bed partners, he wanted a spouse he could treasure as Mick treasured Kara.

Len thought to leave the drama here, accept his sword once it was done and say good day, but as he turned to walk back through the shop, he nearly plowed into another servant of the smithy, this one a young man who had somehow snuck behind him. He must be quite fast to have slipped by unnoticed.

Len shot out his hands to grasp the young man’s shoulders and prevent him from losing the jar of oil he carried. That would be a ghastly mess that would benefit none of them. 

Hazel eyes blinked up at Len in surprise, wide and earnest, with brunette hair, and the loveliest face and freckles Len had ever seen. Surely, not one fit to ever play citizen soldier, though he was no slave either, a worker, a metic like the woman.

“Oh, you are beautiful,” the young man said with hushed breath, eyes widening further in horror when he realized what he had said. “S-Sir…oh please…I don’t know my own tongue, I did not mean—”

“You have hardly offended me.” Len released him and smiled to be sure the young man understood he was no tyrant who would rage at being addressed candidly by a non-citizen. Len wondered where he had come from if he was not Athenian and leaned in close before he scampered away. “You are quite beautiful too.”

A flush of color filled the man’s cheeks and his mouth opened as though he would say thank you or deny Len or maybe simply ramble, but in the end, he hurried off like he saw no other option but running.

Len had a plan forming in his mind when he returned to Lance and Mick at the door.

“Sir Len. Did you see anything to your liking?”

“I did. I would speak to your younger daughter when she is finished,” Len said, not one to mince words when he knew what he wanted. “If she accepts me, I would have your workers serve in our home rather than here as part of the arrangement.”

“Both workers? But—”

“Both. If you need help finding replacements, I will assist, but I want both of them. Do we have a deal?”

[alittleimagine]

Nate Heywood x Reader

Anonymous requested “Could you please do an imagine with Nate Heywood where the team goes to the late 1800s to find who Jack the Ripper was and to stop him from killing and along the way they meet young H.G wells who is instantly attracted to the reader. The reader later starts to fall in love with the young wells .Nate gets jealous and starts to act cold and distant towards the reader because he likes the reader a lot . The reader wants to know why he is acting that way so tells her how he feels.”

Note: I know there’s now an episode about vampires in Victorian London, but I actually started writing this on March 12th and just took forever to get back to it. 

“H. G. Wells isn’t even supposed to be in London at this time.”

“Sure, Nate, focus on that and not that fact that Jack the Ripper is a vampire.”

Most of you shared amused looks at Sara’s comment while Nate frowned. He had originally been excited to be in 1888, thrilled to help stop Jack the Ripper from killing more than the five victims he had in history. He seemed less excited now.

You couldn’t understand why. Meeting H. G. had just meant an additional historical figure you’d all run into. You hadn’t been the biggest fan of his works, but you could appreciate meeting him. And he’d been very charming.

“The truth is that the virus only simulates the symptoms of what we would recognize as, well, as the pop culture symptoms of vampirism.” Stein said, reading over the display Gideon had pulled up with Ray over his shoulder.

Mick grunted. “Does he drink blood?” He asked.

Stein hesitated before sighing and nodding.

“Then he’s a vampire.”

“We might also want to talk about the Waverider.” Jax said.

You all turned to look at him. Sara tilted her head at him. “I thought you said that you’d have it fixed by tomorrow.”

Futuristic viruses didn’t just land in 1888 by accident. Space Pirates were a consistent problem in your lives and a nonstop pain in Jax’s Chief Engineer butt.

He grimaced. “Yeah, it might take a little longer than that.”

“I’m pleased we’ve run into each other again Miss Y/N. You left in such a hurry the last time.”

H.G. Wells was an attractive young man, in that particular Victorian way. The facial hair was different than what you were used to, but it was a very common thing on the streets of 1888 London. He was kind at least, funny and attentive.

At least, to you.

You weren’t blind (you didn’t think) and you could tell well enough that he was flirting with you, or had been the last time you’d talked.

“I’m sorry.” You said. “We had business to take care of.”

“Ah, yes. Your eclectic group of friends.” He held an arm out, gesturing toward a less crowded area of the parlor.

According to Gideon the Ripper would be moving on from low-risk targets like prostitutes to the sort of ladies that would be found in a society party like this one. You’d all either secured invitations or snuck into the event. You had only been a little surprised to find H.G. there and reasonably pleased.

He was cute, after all, and his attention was inoffensive. Plus, he provided someone to talk to while undercover wearing a stupid corset that wasn’t a complete stranger.

“Can I get you a drink?” He asked.

“Yes, please.” You smiled pleasantly while H.G. went to get you both a drink.

The idea of a vampire Jack the Ripper set you on edge, having no idea what he looked like was terrifying, and when Nate walked up close behind you and began speaking you nearly had a heart attack.

“We’re supposed to be looking out for Jack the Ripper. Not flirting.” He said sharply.

You held your hand to your pounding heart then spun and smacked him in the chest. “Don’t. Do. That.” You hissed, emphasizing each word with a hit. “And I am.” You smacked his chest once more for good measure, though you were sure it was hurting you more than him.

“Oh really?” He said, unfazed by your hits. “Because it looks like you’ve been flirting with H.G. Wells who is not even supposed to be here and you could be causing all kinds of havoc in the timeline. You know he marries his cousin, right?”

You glared at Nate. No, you hadn’t known that and it wasn’t relevant right now and you were pretty sure if Sara could sleep with the Queen of France and the timeline remain intact then you could flirt with H.G. Wells.

Nate and you had always gotten along just fine. You’d been friends, close even. Maybe sometimes you had flirted with him, maybe sometimes you thought he had flirted back. Maybe you had some softer, mushy feelings for him. But right now Nate was acting like a child.

And the more it annoyed Nate the more you were inclined to keep doing it.

“Go away, Nate. If you’re going to be rude then go keep watch outside.”

You could see H.G. approaching with two drinks in hand and a smile on his face and you were quick to smile back.

A scream broke from the next room and H.G. was no longer your main concern.

“Do you mean to tell me that Stein is a vampire?”

“Well…”

Your groan was more akin to a yell in your frustration. Ray ducked his head apologetically, unhappy to be delivering the news to the crew.

“He’s not yet a vampire, I don’t think. But he got bit and I think that’s how this virus transmits. Not so much like the Buffy vampires where they swap blood back and forth.”

“So how long until Grey starts wanting to drain us?” Jax’s worry was palpable and you put a hand on his shoulder in your best effort to comfort him. He patted it, gave it a squeeze, but his mind was elsewhere.

Ray shrugged. “I can’t say. He would have known better.” He said.

“Gideon,” Sara called to the ship, “I need you to make sure that Stein stays in stasis. No matter what.”

“Yes, Captain Lance.” The AI replied.

You kicked at the ends of your stupid Victorian skirt, frustration filling every corner of you. Another woman had died, Stein had been bitten, a vampire had made fools of you all, and you were wearing a stupid corset that you were ready to set on fire.

When your eyes drifted up to Nate you found him glaring at you. Instinctively you glared back.

And Nate. He had not been helping your mood.

“Can I help you, Nathaniel?” You snapped.

Several pairs of eyes turned to look between the two of you.

“Actually, yeah.” He crossed his arms. “Let’s talk about how maybe if you weren’t so busy flirting with your new boyfriend Stein might not have gotten bit.”

Your jaw dropped. “Excuse me?”

You vaguely registered the looks the crew shared, ranging from confused to intrigued. Mostly you saw red.

“Yeah, you were so busy protecting H.G. Wells that you forgot to take care of your team.”

Ray smacked Nate’s arm lightly, muttering his name in warning. Nate paid it no mind.

You were going to wring his neck. You didn’t care if he was made of steel or if he was a hell of a lot stronger than you, you were going to wring his stupid little neck.

“How. Dare. You.” Before he could open his mouth you continued. “I was under the impression that we were here to help people. To protect the timeline. Like say, I don’t know, making sure that influential author H.G. Wells doesn’t die before he writes all his important works?”

“Oh yeah, that’s what it was about. Not because you want to make googly eyes at him.”

“You are unbelievable.”

“I’m unbelievable? At least I know not to worry about making out with some mustachioed writer when there is a vampire on the loose.”

You took a sudden step forward, ready to throw down, and Sara blocked your path.

“Alright you two, I don’t know what’s going on but it stops now.” She said.

Mick shrugged. “Oh come on, I want to see her beat his ass.”

Sara pointed a warning finger at him, then pointed it at Nate. At least, you thought, she seemed to be on your side. “This blame game is getting us nowhere. Get your acts together.”

You winced as Ray dabbed antiseptic on your forehead.

“Sorry.” He smiled apologetically. He secured a bandage over the cut and gave your arm a squeeze. “How’s that feel?”

“As good as a head wound can?” You said, smiling at him. You were sore all over, but Amaya looked a good deal worse for wear than you so you couldn’t complain. Ray himself had only just escaped a bite.

Amaya huffed from across the room. “How do we keep getting outsmarted by a Victorian era psychopath?” She hopped off the bed and paced.

It was a good question. A frustrating one, but a good question. At least now you knew who to look for.

“Don’t bother asking Nate,” you said with a tone of bitterness, “he’ll just say it’s because I dared flirt with H.G.”

Amaya smiled sympathetically and Ray tucked his chin into his chest.

You knew you should have been far more focused on the fact that Stein was still in stasis and there was still a damn vampire running around and people were being hurt, but your mind was stubbornly fixated on one Nathaniel Heywood and his piss poor attitude. He had never acted this way before and it circled round and round your head. It hurt, if you were being honest with yourself.

“Maybe go easy on him.” Ray said as he packed the medical supplies away.

Amaya met your eyes from the other side of the room and shrugged.

“Go easy on him?” You asked in mild disbelief. “He’s the one being rude all the damn time. I haven’t done anything. Or do you think I’m flirting with H.G. Wells at the expense of the team too?”

“No. No. Of course not.” Ray was quick to shake his head and appease you. “It’s just, well, he’s being like this because he’s upset about something kind of unrelated and he’s taking it out on you.” At your raised eyebrow he rushed on. “Not that that’s okay or alright, but you should just try and talk to him and maybe he’ll apologize and you guys can move right past it.”

You weren’t surprised that Ray would go to bat for Nate and Ray’s natural loyalty almost made his words less impactful, but it was hard to say no to his earnest puppy dog face. Amaya smiled at you over his shoulder, looking a little like she was in on some private joke.

You narrowed your eyes at both of them for a moment. Then sighed. “Fine.” You said. “I’ll talk to him.”

“Astonishing.”

All three heads snapped toward the doorway. You cursed loudly.

There stood H.G. Wells, taking in the whole of the room with fascination.

You shared wide-eyed looks with Ray and Amaya, none of you moving from your spots. In your head you cursed again. Nate was going to blame you for this, you were sure of it.

“What sort of vessel is this?” H.G. asked, stepping closer to a cabinet on the wall and peeking in without touching.

That snapped you all out of it. “What are you doing here? How did you even get here. You should not be here.” You said in a rush, jumping off the bed and hurrying to him.

“Does it fly?” He asked, unworried by your questions. “It looks like it might. Is it a star ship?” He looked at you now with open curiosity. “Are you not from Earth?”

“We’re not aliens.” Ray said, moving around you both to look out the door. He checked both sides of the hall. “We have to get him out of here.”

“Agreed.” You took H.G.’s arm and tugged. “You can’t be here.”

He didn’t exactly put up a fight, but he wasn’t eager to move either. His movements were slow as you pulled him toward the door and out into the hall.

Amaya moved behind him to help encourage him in your direction. Still he took his time, eagerly taking in as much of the ship as he could.

“You being here could be very bad.” Ray said, peeking around a corner as you approached.

H.G. gasped softly. “If not space,” he began, “then, the future.”

You pulled harder.

“You are.” There was a level of wonder in his voice and he turned in your grasp to take hold of your hands.

You wanted to curse again. You were all so bad about keeping the time travelling thing a secret. “You have to go. You shouldn’t have been here to start with.” You insisted.

“Seriously!”

You jolted where you stood and groaned, squeezing your eyes shut for a moment. Of course he would catch you. It couldn’t be anyone else. Just had to be Nate.

“Nate.” Ray said with a tone of warning.

“No! Are you serious?” His tone had bordered on shrill before falling to just pissed. When you finally looked up you were met with a glare. “You brought H.G. Wells onto the Waverider? I thought you were being irresponsible, but this is just stupid!”

You didn’t appreciate being yelled at on the best of days and right now you could feel the blood boiling in your veins. Steel or no, you were going to kick his ass.

You opened your mouth to argue back, but H.G. beat you to the punch.

“Actually, I followed you and your bald friend.”

Never in your whole life had you felt so vindicated. The smile that spread on your face was the clearest “eat crow” in the history of mankind.

Nate sputtered, some of the bluster leaving him.

You weren’t satisfied. You wanted to have it out- shout at Nate, push him, have the big fight Sara had interrupted. And to think you had let Ray talk you into being reasonable.

As if sensing the buildup of righteous anger in you Ray stepped between you two. “Hey, not now.” He gestured to H.G. “We need to get him off the ship.”

Amaya put a hand on your shoulder. “Come on. We still have to find Jack the Ripper too.”

Against your pettier side you let her pull you away with H.G. in tow.

Your shoulder was still sore from where you’d been tossed against a brick wall and you nursed it with a grumble.

Ray, Jax, and Sara had returned to the Waverider with what they believed to be the cure for Stein, leaving you behind to clean up with Nate, Mick, and Amaya. Clean up mostly consisted of collecting Jack the Ripper’s fully “vamped” body and gathering anything else the time pirate may have left behind. And H.G.

He looked exhausted, sitting on the ground against the steps of a building. Still he looked over you and gestured to your arm. “Are you well?”

You nodded, gesturing casually with your other arm. “All in a day’s work.”

“Remarkable.” He said. He pushed himself off from the wall and closed the distance between you.

Briefly you saw him glance over your shoulder and turned to look. You caught Nate’s glare before he turned away to stomp over to where Amaya was helping Mick gather up the Ripper.

You hadn’t spoken since his little explosion on the Waverider. As much as you wanted to just have it out and figure out what his problem was, you were a reluctant to be the first to speak. He could come to you, you figured.

H.G. cleared his throat and you turned back to look at him, almost embarrassed at being caught staring at Nate’s back. You cleared your own throat in response. “Right. Now, you understand you can’t tell anyone about any of this, right?”

He gave a little chuckle. “And who would believe such a fantastical tale?”

“Good point.”

He was a handsome man when he smiled. He grasped both your arms lightly, careful of your stinging shoulder. “I will never forget you, though. Of that you can be certain.”

“Hard to forget all the crazy.” You joked.

“Hard to forget you.” He smiled once more and then kissed you. It was over before you’d really processed what was happening, punctuated by a loud thump behind you.

Rather than react to the kiss you turned to look for the noise. Mick was crouched over the Ripper’s body, grumbling angrily and glaring from time to time at Nate’s retreating back. Amaya sighed.

“When are you going to speak with him?”

On instinct you turned to glare at Amaya. You had every intention of enjoying your bowl of cereal and zero intention of going to speak with a certain dumb steel-plated historian. You pointedly took a bite from your spoon.

“Just go talk to him.” Amaya’s sighs always had an air of world weariness to them. They were very effective. “This isn’t going to get better until you do.”

“I did nothing wrong.” You muttered.

“I didn’t say you did. But, you could be the bigger person and just go talk to him.” When you ate another spoonful she continued. “Aren’t you curious about what’s going on with him?”

You were. Of course you were.

You cared for Nate and he was being an ass and, frankly, it hurt. But, because it hurt, you weren’t exactly eager to have another go around with him.

“Please.” She insisted. “He’s in the library. He’s alone. Go talk to him. Get it over with.”

With an unhappy huff you pushed your half finished bowl away and stood. “Fine. I’m going. You happy?” You didn’t wait for her response.

You stomped and grumbled to yourself the whole short trip to the library. If he continued to be a jerk you were going to throw books at him.

His back was turned to you when you entered and you took a moment to glare at it. He looked tense. You knew him, you could see he was upset. Well, so were you. And it was his fault.

For a second you hovered in the entrance and debated just turning around and leaving. Instead you cleared your throat and relished a little at his startled jump. When he turned to face you there was a moment where his face seemed to cycle through several emotions before settling on the sourpuss look he’d been wearing the past few days.

He said nothing.

“Do you want to explain what the hell your deal has been?” So maybe you weren’t feeling up to being super polite.

He scoffed and stormed over to the table at the center. Still he said nothing.

“Really? Now you decide to be silent? Because you’ve had zero problem going on and on. Y/N this. Y/N that. ‘Y/N, look at all the ways you’re failing the team even when you’ve done absolutely nothing wrong’.” You mocked.

“Just let it go.”

You almost missed it, he spoke so quietly. Another time you might have done just that when you saw the way his shoulders drooped. Not today.

“Let it go? Let it go? I don’t think so, Elsa. You have been an ass, rude as hell, over and over again for days. And I did nothing wrong and I don’t deserve it.” You could feel yourself getting more worked up with each word. “So now you’re going to explain to me exactly what the hell your problem with me is because if not, we’re going to fight. Right here. Right now.”

He ignored you, staring hard at an open book in front of him.

Your temper kept rising. You stormed over to the table and slammed the book shut. He grit his teeth, but didn’t look up.

“And while you’re at it,” you said, “you can explain what your beef with H.G. is as well.”

That did it. He shot up straight, towering over you now. “Oh yeah. Perfect H.G. Wells with his perfect mustache and perfect stupid vest.”

“Seriously!? What the hell did he ever do to you? He was nothing but nice.”

“So nice. The nicest. That’s what it was. It’s not like he was just flirting with you.” He’d started matching your volume, the both of you shouting now, chest puffing out with the same outrage you were feeling.

“So what?” You threw your hands up. Unbelievable.

He plowed on. “And you just lapped it up. Just kept flirting right back.”

“What the hell do you care if he flirted? If I flirted?”

“Because I like you!”

It felt a little like the air had been knocked out of you and your expression must have shown it. Your eyes were wide, jaw slack, looking dumb at the revelation.

Nate looked terrified.

There was a solid minute of silence and stillness.

“What?” You finally managed.

He said nothing, only sighed. You could practically see the tension roll off his body.

“What?” You repeated. “You like me? Like, in a romantic way?”

Though he still hadn’t said anything the little shrug, resigned and heavy, said enough.

Your eyes ran over him- the tired slump of his shoulders and worried knit in his brow, his dumb handsome face.

“You’re an idiot.”

He was taller than you, but with a tug on his shirt you brought him down to your level and pressed your lips against his. You thought you felt him start, just a little jump, but you were otherwise preoccupied.

You pulled back just a moment later to get a good look at him.

He was hunched over, your hand still gripping his shirt, eyes closed, hands out as if to hold you. He blinked his eyes opened.

“I’m an idiot.” He confirmed.

Before you could nod he’d pulled you back. A hand went to your waist, the other cupped the base of your neck, and he pulled you flush against him as his lips moved over yours. You didn’t know how long you stayed like that.

“Finally!” Mick’s booming voice caused you both to jump and pull apart. “It’s about damn time.”

[herheroics]

can we get some avalance with something to do with the legends please

SEND ME YO DRABBLE REQUESTSI GOT YOUR BACK

    as she put  the finishing touches onto the dinner, ava smiled with a nod. she had banned the legends from entering the kitchen until she was finished, well mostly banning sara and ensuring the blonde didn’t enter, but banning all of the legends for the whole night was her plan, she and sara hadn’t been together in a long time because of the legends, she really missed time with the blonde, that was however where she was now, fixing up the kitchen to make it look semi okay for their impromptu date, hell, she was even wearing a dress.

    this dress, this dress however was better looking than her other one, it was, perhaps, because she was more confident with how things were going. the tight red dress with a v shaped cleavage, paired with a red set of heels of her own, she was hot, she looked hot, and she was wanting to take the other blonde to bed later that night, she was incredibly hot after all. 

   calling out, ava informed gideon that she could let sara know she could return. lighting the candles on the table, ava straightened out her dress and stood, facing the direction of which sara would be walking from with a rose in hand, she wasn’t normally this sappy but for sara, things were definitely going to change. it was moments later that the blonde of her thoughts and dreams had walked into the kitchen, wearing her own black dress and heels, it was definitely a delicious sight to see.

    “you look beautiful.” ava smiled as she stepped closer to the shorter blonde to meet her half way as she pressed a kiss to her lips and handed the captain the rose. the look that crossed sara’s face made ava happy that she had chosen to pick the dress “you look stunning babe, and I wish I could take you back to my room with you and show you just how good looking you look and ravish you in that dress.” sara grinned as she moved to tug ava in the direction of her quarters but stopped with a pout as she noticed ava wasn’t budging.

    “noooo I’ve actually cooked this meal, it’s an actual home made cooked meal that i did for you and want to eat with you and then take you back to your room and ravish each other later.” ava grinned as she tugged the blonde in the direction of the table and pulled the chair out to seat sara at the table before going around to sit opposite her.

   “okay, now here is everything. dessert, actual dessert and not me, is available afterwards and you will be eating it so do not pout at me like that because you need to eat both.” ava smirked at the blonde as she used her foot to rub up the inside of sara’s thigh, trying to tell her she’d make it up to her later.

   they spent then next short while eating the mains and talking to one another about basically everything and she honestly couldn’t have been having a better time. the frown she had however formed on her face the moment the heard the foot steps approach the table “oh food, I thought I smelled something.” zari grinned as she took the seat to ava’s side and picked some things of the time bureau’s plate and popped them into her mouth. ava was about to tell the muslim woman off before they were soon joined by mick, who took one of sara’s sides and began to pick the food off of the blonde’s plate. 

   “you both honestly need to leave, now. I promised it’d break both of your legs if you came into the kitchen.” the time bureau director spoke with a glare as she placed her cutlery down on the plate as she turned her gaze to glare at the woman beside her “yeah but, we were hungry and it smells so good.”

    before she could even speak, the heard of the legends was heard and the rest soon followed in, with wally speeding ahead of them as ava groaned. they were soon surrounded by every legend just sitting around, eating the foot and drinking the alcohol, ruining the time “You are all bloody children.” with a huff, ava stood up and pressed a few buttons on her courier and stepped through, closing it behind her quickly, not allowing anyone to follow.  

   turning her gaze to the legends ahead of her, sara placed her cutlery down on the plate and stood up with a glare whilst they all just stared at her with their mouths open “what…?”

    with a roll of her eyes, sara placed her hands on her hips as she sent the legends a glare “you do know I won’t stop her from putting you guys into time out right? you honestly deserve it now by ruining the night she had planned.”

    the moment the taller blonde arrived at her apartment, she stripped off her dress and threw it on the ground before heading into her bedroom to grab and oversized shirt to pull it on. the legends always seemed to ruin everything, the one thing she wanted was to be able to have some quiet time with the captain, but instead, she’s back at her apartment in a huff, with her gorgeous dress on the ground.

   moving back into the lounge room from her bedroom, ava grabbed the files off the bench and sat herself down on the lounge and began to write out the notes that were required, at least if she buried herself in files, she could at least depend on them to not screw up like the legends. letting out a sigh, ava tilted her head to the back of the lounge and looked up at the roof, if only the legends made it easier, then they could have some alone time. 

     she sits like that for a few moments, taking in a few deep breaths before closing her eyes, she already had a headache from before and the paperwork seemed to make it worse, maybe she’d just sit here for a few moments and just take a moment. she didn’t know how long had passed before hearing the whooshing sound of a portal, she knew it wasn’t anyone from the time bureau, she had told them to not disturb her, which meant one thing: the legends.

    “oh come on, when someone storms off, that means they don’t want to be followed.” the blonde groaned as she opened her eyes to see the legends standing there sheepishly, each with some plate of food in their hands. with a raised eyebrow, ava stood up, crossing her arms across her chest as she stared them down. when her gaze went passed mick, she couldn’t help but notice him staring at her legs, something that caused the director to groan inwardly, she only just realised she was still just wearing her shirt and panties but there was no point in backing down. she raised her eyebrows deeper at them, just where was this going?

   clearing her throat, amaya spoke “I for some reason was nominated to speak on behalf of the legends, probably because I’m the most sane logical one out of the lot of us, except for the one that you’re sleeping with…but we just wanted to say we are sorry, and for being sorry, we’ve each cooked you a meal that is part of our families histories, except Mick, he has brought you beer, because that’s, well, part of his families history.” amaya spoke as she was the first to move to place her plate down on the bench before offering ava a smile and headed back towards the portal, of which she was soon followed by the rest of the legends, except for sara.

   sara closed the portal and moved across the threshold, noticing the crumpled dress on the floor before turning her attention to ava, even with heels on, sara was still shorter than the blonde. “you know, you looked incredibly beautiful in that dress, I also would be preferred to take it off myself..although I do like seeing you in this shirt with just your panties on too.” sara spoke softly as she lifted the shirt up slightly and placed her hands on the taller blonde’s lower back with a smile.

   “I bet you did, and I wanted that too, but, you know what it’s like with kids, things don’t always go as planned.” the blonde commented softly, she wished the night had gone smoother, she really did enjoy just speaking and being with the blonde, if only they didn’t have the children to look after then it’d be so much easier, or at least, somewhat easier.

   sara leaned up on her tip toes and pressed a soft kiss to ava’s lips and smiled as she pulled away “come on, I’ve got an idea.” smiling, sara let go off ava and walked towards the food, grabbing a few dishes, as well as the dessert dish, and indicated for ava to grab some cutlery before heading into ava’s bedroom with the dishes.

    “food in bed miss lance? as long as you don’t make a mess then I’m fine to eat in bed with you.” with a grin, sara placed the dishes on the bed and crawled up onto her side as ava crawled onto her own, grabbing the remote to the tv and switched on netflix, turning it to the tv series they were watching before leaning back into the bed head with a sigh.

    “you know what.?” ava commented softly as she grabbed the plate of pasta bake and pulled it to her mouth with her fork as she turned her attention to sara, the other blonde who was waiting for her to say something. “I’m actually glad the legends screwed up our dinner,  this is so much better than what we were doing...I’ll always love dinner in bed with you.” ava grinned as she smiled at the blonde before her.

    “I’ll do anything in bed with you anytime.”

[singledarkshade]

Magical Mix Up

Summary: When Constantine uses a spell to locate Rip, it leads them to a hospital and a nurse called Rory Williams. Taking him back to the Waverider they try to get him to remember who he really is. While Rory's wife Amy is searching for him with the Doctor, they come across an unconscious man in a long brown duster. Author’s Note: I had a small idea and shared it with the Discord Ripchat group, which sent it from a small possible one-shot to a larger story. This is a birthday present for @riphuntertimemasterlegend. Happy Birthday, I hope you enjoy. Chapter One

 “I have one more patient for you, Rory,” Davy on the desk said, handing him a chart, “Some kind of burn.”

Rory Williams took the chart and scanned it quickly, “Okay. What’s open?”

“Curtain three,” Davy replied giving him a smile.

Nodding to the other man, Rory headed out to the waiting room which wasn’t too bad for a Sunday afternoon in the middle of the summer.

“Mr Constantine,” Rory called. His patient stood and Rory frowned in surprise to see the man wearing a trench coat, white shirt and a red tie, his dyed blond hair was a mess, and he had the look that he had just rolled out of bed, “Please come with me.”

As a blonde woman stood to join them, Rory shook his head, “Sorry, you’ll have to wait here for the moment.”

Rory’s patient turned to the blonde woman, had a quick, annoyed whispered discussion before she sat down and he turned to Rory with a charming smile, “Lead on, mate.”

Walking the man through the security doors, Rory motioned him to take a seat on the bed and pulled up the stool.

“Okay,” Rory told him, “Looking over your information it says that you burned your arm. I’ll do an exam to check the area, and if required I will get one of the doctors to take over, or I will clean it up.”

Constantine shrugged, “Really sorry about this, mate but I lied a little bit.”

Confused Rory heard a strange noise behind him, turning he saw the blonde woman from the waiting room walking through a portal to what looked like a ship or space station. Spinning off his stool, Rory grabbed a scalpel out the kit to defend himself.

“I know you’re confused, Rip,” the blonde woman said, “But we’re your friends and we’re taking you home.”

Gripping the scalpel and letting the Centurion in his head free, Rory replied, “No idea who you are and I’m going nowhere.”

Constantine shrugged, “Sorry, mate,” he pulled a strange looking silver device from his pocket and a flash of light filled Rory’s vision before everything went black.

Sara Lance sighed as she watched Rip fall to the ground, “That could have gone better.”

John frowned at her while crouching down to relieve the unconscious man of the scalpel before pulling him off the ground and onto his back in a fireman’s lift, “You’re not kidding.”

“Let’s get back to the ship before anyone comes looking for him,” Sara motioned John back onto the Waverider.

Carrying the unconscious form of his amnesiac friend, John was relieved when they entered the ship and Sara closed the portal. Resting Rip on the medical couch Sara slid the cuff onto his arm and checked the readouts. They now had to wait until he woke up to see if he remembered anything now that he was onboard the ship once more.

“Well?” John asked.

“As far as I can tell he’s healthy,” Sara noted before frowning at him, “It would be easier with Gideon.”

“That wasn’t my fault,” John defended himself, “I had no idea that the idol would react with the spell in that way.”

Sara rolled her eyes, “Now we have no AI because she’s suddenly human, unconscious and in Star Labs.”

John frowned, “From everything the doc told us, she’ll be fine and she’s sleeping just now. It’s probably a lot to assimilate going from an AI to human. If we give her time, I’m sure she’ll wake up soon just like Dr Snow told us.”

“Until then we can’t really go anywhere,” Sara sighed. She looked down at the man on the bed before her, “He looks different.”

John shrugged, “Well you said this is a camouflage. He’s bound to look different.”

“I mean the last time I saw him without the beard he looked odd, but it seems to suit him now,” Sara mused, shaking herself she turned back to John, “Do you have any ideas how to return his memories to him? Because I only know of one way and, without Gideon, it’s not possible.”

John mused, “There are a few spells and rituals I can try but since this was caused by the time drive and not a spell or curse then it becomes tricky.”

“Well, the last time this happened ‘Phil’ was writing about us,” Sara said, “So it was slightly easier for him to accept his movie was basically real. But this time he’s a nurse? It’s the last thing I expected.”

John shook his head sadly, “Rip is a lot more compassionate than you give him credit for, Sara. He just knows how to hide it because he was raised to believe it was a bad thing.”

She pinned him with a sharp look, “I didn’t know you two were such good friends.”

“Spend some time almost getting eaten alive by a demon,” John noted with a shrug, “You tend to bond.”

Sara checked the screen again, “Let’s leave him to rest. I’ve set the alarm to let us know when he wakes up and put up a forcefield so he can’t leave this room. We don’t want him getting anywhere near the time drive.”

John nodded, “You can say that again.”

 Ray, Jax and Zari looked up when Sara and John entered the bridge, Mick was lounging in a chair with a beer in his hand, but the tilt of his head let Sara know he was paying attention. Ava was sitting stiffly on the chair in the parlour, with Nate not far from her both looking annoyed as they had been voted down when Constantine said he could possibly locate Rip.

“How is he?” Ray demanded instantly.

Sara gave a slight wince, “He has no memory of us.”

“So, he’s Phil again?” Jax asked.

Sara stole one of Mick’s beers and took a seat on the stairs, “No.”

“Then who does he think he is?” Ray and Jax demanded in unison.

“Rory Williams,” John spoke up, “A nurse working in London.”

Mick let out a snort of amusement while Jax said, “At least he’s still English this time.”

“Once he wakes up John is going to try to retrieve his memories,” Sara told them, “But as with Phil, we just have to remind him we’re his friends, that his memories are fake, and he belongs here.”

A snort from Nate made Sara turn to him and Ava, “Neither you nor Ava need talk to him at all but if you do remember at the moment, he isn’t Rip.”

Ava shrugged, “We’ll try.”

 Rory’s head was killing him. Pressing a hand to his forehead, he slowly opened his eyes before slamming them shut when the light jabbed through them like a knife. Trying to get his bearings, Rory wondered what happened because he was sure he had been at the hospital. If the Doctor had kidnapped him from work, he was going to kill the Time Lord.

“Amy?” he murmured, letting her know he was awake because he knew she would be at his side if he was hurt or sick. Especially if the Doctor had picked them up. He was confused and saddened when his wife wasn’t there sliding her fingers through his hair and telling him to stop being lazy.

Finally, he forced his eyes open and frowned as he looked around a medical bay, realising he was on a ship, a space station or just a good bit in the future. Suddenly Rory remembered the last patient he had.

“Son of a…” he breathed, looking around properly.

He was still in his scrubs which meant whatever they’d done to him had been while at work.

“You’re awake,” a voice came from behind him making Rory turn to find a blonde woman walk in. She was a good bit smaller than him, but Rory could see from her bare arms she was extremely fit, and from her stance, the Centurion part of his brain noted she was a warrior.

“Who are you?” Rory demanded, “Where am I? And what do you want?”

She stepped forward trying to look unthreatening, “My name is Sara Lance and, I know how confusing this will be for you, but I promise it’s the truth.”

Rory folded his arms waiting for the explanation.

“Your name is Rip Hunter,” Sara told him, “You were stopping a Time Demon and used the core of this ship. It sent you through time and changed your memories as a camouflage. I understand you think you’re someone else but you’re not. We’re your friends and we’re going to help you recall who you really are.”

Staring at her, Rory finally managed to say sharply, “I know exactly who I am, Miss Lance. And I’m going home.”

“There,” she smiled, “That was the real you for a moment. Hold onto that and we’ll get you back.”

Shaking his head in bemusement, Rory stared at her, “What is wrong with you?”

“I know this is strange,” Sara said, “But this is for your own good. I made a promise to a friend of ours that if I found you then I wouldn’t let you leave again.”

Rory remained silent trying to work out his next move but began to pace so he could get closer to the door, hopefully without her realising.

“Your room is still here,” Sara said, moving so she was the same distance from him as he walked, “It was locked until recently so all your things are there for you to go through, which will hopefully help you remember who you are.”

Rory reached the door and shook his head, “No, thanks.” Hitting the button to open the door he ran into the corridor and chose a direction at random. Running through the corridor he saw a tall man with dark hair coming towards him.

“Rip?” the man grinned at him, “It’s so good to see you.”

Letting the Centurion take control, Rory ducked and caught the man in his stomach throwing the man over his shoulder and onto the floor. The man let out a loud oomph as he hit the ground, and although the nurse part of his mind wanted to check the other man was alright, thankfully the Centurion part was in control. Turning a corner Rory stalled finding the man, John, who had been his supposed patient standing there.

“I know you’re confused, mate,” John said, “But this is your home, Rip.”

“What is wrong with you people,” Rory snapped, “Why can’t any of you listen to what I’m saying. I am not this Rip guy. My name is Rory Williams, I have never met any of you before today and no matter what you say or do, I’m not going to remember a life that wasn’t mine.”

Just as he finished talking, something thudded across the back of his head and Rory dropped to the ground unconscious again.

 “Did you have to hit him?” the annoyed voice of Sara came as Rory swam towards consciousness with yet another headache.

A man grunted, “Seemed quickest way to stop him after what he did to haircut.”

Rory heard Sara let out a sigh before she said, “Let’s not give him any more brain damage, Mick.”

“Whatever,” the man grumbled.

Forcing his eyes open Rory realised he was not in the medical bay this time but, from the looks of things, a cell. Slowing sitting up he found Sara standing on the other side of the glass with concern on her face.

“Are you okay?”

Rory glared at her, “Well I’ve been abducted by a bunch of lunatics who keep knocking me out, while trying to convince me I’m someone I’m not. How do you think I am?”

She gave a slight smile, “There are some painkillers and water just down in the corner, and something to eat if you’re hungry.”

“Or you can let me go and I’ll get something at home,” Rory shot back at her while he found the painkillers.

Sara winced, “I know this seems harsh, Rip but it’s for your own protection. The last time this happened I let Thawne and his Legion of Doom take you, and I can’t let that happen again.”

Rory sat on the bench again, “So your logic for keeping me captive is so someone else doesn’t? That makes complete sense.”

“I left you some books and a few of your diaries to read through,” Sara told him, “We’ll talk a little later once you’ve had some time.”

Rory watched her leave and sighed. He listened to the Doctor every day, but this was true nonsense. Finding the small stack of books, Rory lifted the top one opening to the first page finding it was handwritten and realised this was the diary of the man they thought he was. A part of him wanted to read it a little but he didn’t want to invade the person they thought he was privacy. Closing it and putting it carefully to one side, Rory checked what else was sitting there and found Treasure Island, one of his favourites.

Putting the blanket and pillows they’d given him on the floor to sit on, Rory started to read.

 John sat watching the security feed of the cells as Sara spoke with Rip, or Rory as he was calling himself these days. It was odd watching his friend like this, he truly believed he was this Rory Williams and there wasn’t even a hint of recognition of any of them.

If they had Gideon, it was possible she would be able to get through to him, but currently Gideon wasn’t an option.

“Well?” Sara appeared at his side.

“He looked at the diary then put it down,” John told her, “I don’t think he’s going to read it. We need to try something else.”

Sara frowned, “What about your spell?”

“I need some supplies,” John said, “I’ll go pick them up in the morning,” adding before she could argue, “A night-time trip isn’t a good idea.”

Dropping into the seat beside him, Sara stared at the man on the screen, “Rip was always close to Jax, and Ray gets along with basically everyone. Maybe I should get one of them to try get through to him.”

John shrugged, “Why not? Or you could try your girlfriend.”

Sara frowned at him, before ignoring the jibe, “I’ll ask Ray to try first. Jax still has some issues from evil Rip.”

                                 *********************************************

 Rory drank the tea he’d been given with his breakfast as he continued to read the book. He’d been fed and managed to get some sleep but was still in a cell. Rory wondered what Amy thought happened to him and hoped that the Doctor would be able to track him down somehow. He smiled slightly imagining Amy walking in, with River at her side, taking out anyone between her and him.

The door to the room outside the glass opening interrupted Rory in the middle of a chapter. He let out an annoyed sigh, marking his place with the handy bookmark that was already inside the novel, placing it to one side before looking up at whoever had come in to annoy him some more.

“You’re the one I hit yesterday,” Rory noted seeing the tall man with perfect coiffed dark hair, looking like he stepped off the page of a magazine, “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

The other man gave a shrug, “I’m okay. I’m Ray,” he introduced himself, “And you’re using the name Rory just now, right?”

“I’m not using it,” Rory replied sharply, “It’s my name.”

Ray winced for a moment before he pulled a chair over and sat, “It’s not. Your name is Rip Hunter, although that’s not the name you had as a kid. You were originally called Michael but in order to become a Time Master, you had to change it, so you chose Rip.” He paused, for a moment before explaining, “Time Masters were at one point the supposed guardians of time. They raised you and until a few years ago you worked for them.”

Rory rolled his eyes but held his tongue for the moment knowing the more information he had the better.

“You saved a lot of lives making and stopping alterations to the timeline,” Ray continued, “Then your wife Miranda and son Jonas were killed by a man called Vandal Savage who it turned out was working with the Time Masters. You recruited us to stop them, which we managed to do, and we protect the timeline now.”

“My wife’s name is Amy,” Rory said softly, “And my daughter is called Melody. Both are perfectly fine. I have never heard of Time Masters and I have no idea who any of you are.”

Ray sighed annoyed but Rory was beginning to go over and over the idea of Time Masters. If these people had access to time travel, that would allow Rory a possible way to contact the Doctor.

“Rip,” Ray sighed, “I know things were bad between us all for a while, but you sacrificed yourself for us. The fact you survived is incredible and I can understand why you want to hide in this life you created for yourself after everything but it’s time to come home.”

Rory shook his head, “It’s a nice sentiment but no matter what you say, I am not and have never been Rip Hunter.”

Ray grimaced before he stood, for a moment Rory thought he was about to say something else before he simply walked out.

 “We can’t keep him locked in the cell,” Zari said as the team gathered in the library, “It’s not fair.”

“Don’t see why not,” Nate muttered.

“Because he isn’t a danger to us,” Zari reminded him sharply.

Ava frowned, “Tell that to Ray.”

“I’m fine,” Ray spoke up, “But he’s insistent he’s not Rip, and I think he’ll try to get off the ship any way he can.”

Sara sighed softly, “John is getting supplies to try the spell for returning Rip’s memories, until then he stays in the cell. I don’t like it either,” she stopped Zari arguing, “But it’s for his own protection and our safety. Rip, no matter what memories he holds, is still very smart and he could cause problems for us.”

“How long till John does the spell?” Jax asked.

Sara shrugged, “He said he had to collect some ingredients. I’m hoping he’ll be back soon.”

“What about Gideon?” Ray changed the subject, “Have we heard from Star Labs?”

With a smile, Sara replied, “Barry called earlier. Gideon is not only awake but is in good health and Dr Snow is just keeping her under observation for a few days.”

“That’s good,” Jax sighed in relief.

“For now,” Sara said, “We’re stuck here in Star City. So, you may as well visit family and friends or pick up some supplies you want. I will stay on the ship and keep an eye on Rip.”

“Are you sure?” Ava asked, “One of…”

“I’m sure,” Sara cut her off, “He’s my responsibility.”

 Rory looked round when the door opened again, wondering who was coming to persuade him he was someone else this time. A different blonde woman walked in, taller than Sara, and looked at him with distaste.

“I don’t know what your game is this time, Rip,” she said sharply, “But I know you’re making sure they let their guard down before you do whatever you’re planning.”

Rory stared at her for a minute before laughing, “You are crazier than the rest of them.”

“After what you did to me,” she snarled, “I know how untrustworthy you are.”

Letting out a sigh, Rory stood and moved to face her, “Look, whoever you are.”

“You know who I am,” she snapped.

“Whoever you are,” Rory repeated, “Your people abducted me. You all keep telling me I’m someone I’m not while holding me prisoner. Whatever issues you have with that guy, I know nothing about them and have nothing to do with them. Though I can offer the number of a good therapist for you to talk through whatever you need to.”

Anger flashing in her eyes, the woman leaned in and she stated darkly, “Even when you ‘get your memories back’” she put in the air quotes, “I will make sure you stay in this cell.”

With that said she turned, her hair flipping over her shoulder as she marched out. Just before the door closed, he clearly heard Sara’s voice demanding, “Ava, what are you doing?”

Sighing Rory sat and picked up his book again, he’d been here a day and as they’d used some kind of portal technology then Rory was sure the Doctor would be able to find him.

At least that was what he was telling himself.

[agentmarymargaretskitz]

Foxfire - Dream

(Something small and quick)

They were all worse for wear by the time they got to the exit. The dream world had quickly manifested a variety of nightmares once those trapped in it had all came to their senses. But Gideon had been there to lead them through to the way out. Had it not been for her, Ray probably would have died in the dream world.

“Send him through first,” Sara ordered as Mick helped him limp along. “The sooner he wakes up, the sooner he can get medical attention in the real world.”

“He won’t need it,” Gideon said. “Once you leave, you will forget what’s happened to you here. Your memories of the events will be erased.”

“So we won’t remember a thing?” Amaya asked.

Gideon nodded. “I’m sorry, Ms. Jiwe.’

“It’s not your fault, Gideon,” Zari told her as she glanced at the portal that was their way out. “I want to get out of here.”

“Go through,” Sara told her. “Nate, get Ray through and make sure he’s okay.”

The three of them went through, disappearing in flashes of light. Wally was the next to go, running as normal speed since his powers had been neutralized in this realm. Sara told Amaya to go next, but the totem bearer hesitated. Mick was confused as to why she wasn’t leaving.

Amaya turned to Gideon. “Gideon, you said we wouldn’t remember anything?”

The AI, who was presently in female form, smiled and nodded. “You’ll have no memory whatsoever.”

“Amaya, what are you doing?” Sara asked. “We need to leave.”

“Go through first, Sara. We’ll be right behind you.”

Sara shook her head. “I’m not leaving my team behind.”

“We will come,” Amaya replied sternly. “Sara, please. You always try to keep us safe. Look after yourself first for once.”

“I’ll make sure they go home, Captain Lance,” Gideon promised.

Sara glanced between them and nodded slowly. “You better not let me down.”

She walked toward the exit and disappeared in a flash of light. After she was gone, Amaya turned towards Mick. He was confused at what was going on.

“Why aren’t we going?” he asked.

“Because I want to do this now while I’m brave and we won’t remember.”

She leaned up on her tiptoes and kissed him for a few moments. When she lowered back down, Mick stared at her in surprise. He did love Amaya, but he never thought she loved him back. At least not enough to do that.

“Even if we don’t remember, I care about you,” she said.

“Me too,” Mick managed to get out.

“You two should try to say that in the real world,” Gideon murmured. “Now you need to leave this place. The Captain is starting to get worried.”

Mick held his hand out to Amaya. She grasped it and gave it a squeeze. Together, the two of them walked towards the bright light and out of the dream world. His vision went entirely white and everything faded away.

When Mick’s eyes snapped open, his lips felt strange, almost tingly. He sat up from when he had been laying on the floor. Around him, the rest of the team was getting up from where they had fallen as well. Mick frowned as he tried to remember what had happened.

It was all just a blank, yet he felt like he’d done something important.

[locitarose]

Here’s the Rogue Canary AU I started for NaNoWriMo a couple years ago that I never finished. I’m determined to finish it and I went back to it today. This is just the second scene of the story though: 

           Len raised an eyebrow at the man standing in the doorway while Sara tilted her head, studying him. He couldn’t help but think she looked like she was looking for weaknesses but he wasn’t about to say that out loud. Maybe it was just because of her similarities in looks to the other woman, the one that had been in white leather, but he couldn’t help but make the comparison.

            Besides, he had a feeling that they were similar in more than just looks.

            “So, we’ve found somewhere that you’ll be safe from—“

            “The crazy lady trying to kill us?” Len interrupted. The man—he should probably learn his name but if they were just dropping them off then whatever—looked startled before he nodded.

            “Uh, well, yeah. I already told Sara and—“ This time the guy interrupted himself, slapping a hand over his mouth. “I mean...oh crap.”

            “Sara?” Mick asked, frowning.

            “She said she was family. That my dad would never lose me,” Sara said softly. “And she knew that because—“

            “—she’s you,” Len finished.

            “Well, Raymond, you really know how to mess things up, don’t you?” The man that they’d only gotten glimpses of was standing there, arms crossed and eyes narrowed as he stared at the other man—Raymond—with a look that said he was very much in trouble. Len frowned because the newcomer looked...he shook his head in denial.

            “It’s not like I meant to, Snart,” Raymond snapped. A moment later, his eyes widened and he slapped his hand back over his mouth.

            Len stared at the other man. Snart. The man who looked familiar because he looked like Len. And if the other blonde woman was Sara and this guy was named Snart and was spending time with Sara’s older self...

            “Holy shit, that’s me,” he said. Sara nodded in agreement.

            “And if that’s you and the woman is me,” she started.

            “Then the big scary guy is me,” Mick realized.

            “Congratulations, Raymond,” Leonard—Snart? What were they supposed to call Len’s older self?—announced. “The rest of us managed to keep our identities secret but less than five minutes in here and you blow it.”

            “And guess what?” was the question that came from behind him. Sara’s older self stepped forward, her arms crossed.

            “You’re not going to kill me, are you?” Raymond asked, sounding an odd mix of resigned and nervous. She smirked and shook her head.

            “We’re letting you tell Rip, Haircut,” Mick’s older self told him, his voice sounding close to a growl. “Because I know myself and there’s no way that’s staying a secret.”

            “And we’re not the ones that did it,” the older Sara said.

            “For once,” Leonard smirked.

            “You guys are usually the ones messing up?” Sara asked the group in front of them. The older Mick grinned at them as Raymond sighed and walked off, mumbling something about finding someone named Rip.

            Mick shrugged. “You get in a few bar fights throughout time and suddenly you’re troublemakers.”

            Len crossed his arms, unconsciously mirroring his older self’s pose. “Throughout time?”

            “Hell,” Leonard sighed. “Yeah. Throughout time. Time travel is real and we’re part of a team that’s been traveling throughout history trying to stop a jackass who’s been alive for four thousand years and is going to destroy the future.”

            “Well, that’s one way to break the news to them,” the older Sara muttered. “Really, Leonard?”

            “There’s no tactful way to say that.” Leonard told her, shaking his head. “Besides, do you really think Rip’s found a normal place to take all of our younger selves? They’d figure it out.”

            From somewhere else in the ship, they suddenly heard a man shout, “You did what, Dr. Palmer?”

            “I think it’s safe to say that Rip knows,” the older Sara said with a laugh. Leonard smirked.

            “I hadn’t noticed.”

            The sound of pounding footsteps stopped anything else they were about to say and then a man in a long brown coat burst in.

            “Please,” he demanded in a British accent as he glared at their older selves, “tell me you haven’t been giving them information about the future.”

            “And if we were?” the older Sara asked, raising an eyebrow in challenge.

            “Ms. Lance, I realize that the three of you have very little respect for the rules of time travel but telling your younger selves what will happen to them—“

            “It’s a good thing that we didn’t then, isn’t it, Rip?” she said, cutting him off. “And besides, even if we had told them something about their future, what would it matter? I heard you talking to Ray and you gave his younger self a pill so that he wouldn’t remember any of this.”

            Rip opened and closed his mouth a few times before shaking his head. “That is entirely beside the point,” he exclaimed. “You still shouldn’t say too much!”

            “You do know what it means when someone doesn’t remember, don’t you, Rip?” Leonard asked in what was probably the most condescending tone that Len had ever heard come out of someone’s mouth. Beside him, Sara snickered and Mick snorted. His own lips twitched when the older Mick just looked at them over Rip’s head and grinned again.

            The look that Rip shot Leonard was unamused. “I hardly think that this is the time—“

            “You’d think wrong,” Leonard interrupted. He didn’t bother to hide his amusement when Rip’s eye twitched. Len smirked and glanced at Sara and Mick, who were each very clearly trying not to laugh.

            “Yes, well, be that as it may, we’ll be picking up Mr. Stein’s younger self,” Rip told them. The older Mick perked up at that.

            “We going back to 1975?” he asked. Matching grins appeared on the older Sara and Leonard’s faces causing Rip to frown.

            “No. Actually, Mr. Rory, you and I will be collecting Mr. Stein just after his birth. After that, we’ll need help causing a distraction and picking up young Jax just after his birth as well.”

            “Is there a reason we’re suddenly kidnapping babies?” Leonard asked.

            “First,” Rip started with another frown, “it’s not kidnapping.”

            “Right, because you totally asked the parents if you could just borrow their kids for a little while,” Len muttered.

            “Ha,” Mick burst out, looking down immediately to hide his grin from the others as Sara laughed. Len didn’t bother hiding his pleased smile at their reactions.

            Rip let out a sigh, looking like he was regretting ever starting this conversation. “It’s not kidnapping,” he repeated. “We’re protecting them. And second, we don’t have time to convince their younger selves to come with us as we did with you and Dr. Palmer. The Pilgrim has stepped up the timeline of her plan, so to speak. If we take them as babies, they’ll be nowhere else in the timeline for her to attack.”

            “If you’re worried about that, why not take all of us as babies?” the older Mick demanded.

            For the first time since he entered the room, Rip looked amused. “Because I have no doubt that you three were terrors as children.”

            After a moment of consideration, the older Mick shrugged and nodded in agreement while the older Sara looked mildly offended.

            “You’re just worried that baby me would have you wrapped around his finger,” Leonard accused. “Because I can guarantee you that I was an adorable baby.”

            “Beneath the horns, I’m sure,” Rip shot back, a smirk on his face. Leonard’s eyes lit up at that response, opening his mouth to reply when Mick cut them off.

            “What are we supposed to call you guys anyway?” he blurted. His eyes widened when all four of the adults focused on him and Len frowned while Sara narrowed her eyes, both of them unconsciously shifting to stand slightly in front of him even as Mick’s fists clenched in reflex.

            Their movements didn’t go unnoticed and Leonard looked pleased while the older Sara gave them a small smile and the older Mick only looked surprised for a brief moment before his expression cleared.

            “You can call me Rory,” he told them with a small nod.

            Leonard shrugged. “You can call me Leonard or Snart. Whatever you’re more comfortable with.” He turned his head slightly as the older Sara opened her mouth. “Don’t even think about saying it, Assassin.”

            She lifted her brows at him. “Say what? I’m hurt, Crook. Here I was, about to tell them what to call me and you’re implying I was going to do something else.” She smirked when he shot her a knowing look. Ignoring him, the older Sara looked at them and winked. “You can call me Canary.”

            Sara grinned. “Still?” was all she said. Canary smiled back and nodded.

            “That was illuminating,” Leonard drawled.

            “Could we please get back on track?” Rip demanded, drawing their attention once more. “Good. Now, as I was saying, we’ll need someone to be a distraction at the hospital while someone else takes young Jax out of there.”

            Canary nodded in understanding. “I call Team Kidnapping.” She slanted a look over at Leonard. “Leonard can be the distraction. Maybe in a uniform.”

            He gave her a mock frown. “Don’t objectify me.”

            This time Rip’s sigh was entirely exasperated. “Yes, that’s very tragic. Now, we need to get to the bridge and plan out how we’re getting in and out without too much notice.”

            Leonard smirked as Canary rolled her eyes at him. “Relax, Rip. You act like this is the first time we’ve done this.” He turned and nodded at the younger versions. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, Mini Me.” Rory and Canary shook their heads as they began to head towards the bridge with a nod (Rory) and a wave (Canary) as a goodbye.

            “We’re all going to lose our wallets by the end of this,” Rip muttered.

            “He can’t take your wallet, Rip,” Leonard assured him. Off of Rip’s look, Leonard held up Rip’s wallet with a look of satisfaction. “I already took it. You should probably keep a better eye on that. And update the money in there if you’re going to Stein’s birth. You never know when you’ll need cash.”

            With that, he walked out, Rip on his heels and already lecturing on why he shouldn’t steal the captain’s wallet as the door closed behind them.

            Mick looked between Sara and Len before focusing on Sara. “So,” he said, “you’re an assassin in the future.”

            Sara slowly smiled, her eyes lighting up at the prospect. “So I am,” she agreed.

            Len smirked. “I think this trip is going to be very...enlightening.”

[ranger-of-estel]

Finding Refuge

Day three of #CCWeek2018 by @writing-multifandom

This one is actually part of a project I’ve been toying with for a little while. Figured this was a good way to find out what you all think (That said, since it’s an early chapter this is a pre-relationship CC fic)

Alternate Universe

               Sara’s whole-body aches as consciousness slowly returns, but she finds her hip is the worst as she takes inventory. She remembers being chased by the pack, nips to her heals and calves as branches scratch her arms and face. But then one of them had lunged, caught her hip and… “Vampire!” she jerks up, crying out as the pain intensifies in her side.

               “Easy Sara, you’re safe.” A woman is at her side now, dark hair tumbling over her shoulders in waves and concern in her eyes. “You need to rest,”

               “Where am I?” she pushes down the panic that’s threatening to bubble up.

               “You’re in Refuge Manor,” she gives a gentle smile, “My name is Gideon, I’m one of the caretakers here.”

               Sara looks down to where the woman’s skin is touching her arm. “Your skin is cool.”

               The woman nods, “I am an android, I do not produce heat like most other beings.”

               Sara nods, though part of her is still processing the words. “What happened?”

“I appear to have ended your would-be execution last night.” A male voice drawls, looking up she finds the blue eyed vampire that had stepped in, throwing the wolf off of her and frightening the others.

“I suppose you’re expecting a thank you.” His keen eyes remain focused on her as her own gaze roams. He’s dressed entirely in black, the only skin she can see his face and where his long fingers hook into the pockets of his tight jeans.

“Hardly,” his smooth voice draws her attention back to his face, lips curved in a smirk as he pushes away from the wall. “Gideon sent me out to find you.”

Her attention turns curiously back to the woman at her side, “Let’s get you back on your feet, then we can answer whatever questions you may have.”

“I’m fine,” she swings her legs over the opposite side of the bed, absently noticing that she’s never seen the cargo pants and baggy shirt she’s wearing. The observation is short lived as her leg attempts to give out beneath her.

A cool hand catches her arm, waiting until she’s steady to release her. Part of her is unnerved at how quickly the man was able to move, the other part is too distracted by his eyes. His brow is furrows in something dangerously close to concern, and she quickly pulls away with a mumbled, “thanks.”

“Just didn’t want to have to pick you up off the floor.” He replies with an uninterested shrug. But still remains within arm’s reach of her.

“Leonard,” Gideon draws both of their attention. “Why don’t you take Sara for a walk on the grounds?” she motions out the door, “Then Rip and I can explain things in the study?” she turns her attention to Sara, “If you do not oppose?”

Sara shrugs, “Can’t see why not.” She glances back at Leonard, “he seems as safe as anyone right now.”

“Then it’s settled!” Gideon claps her hands together, smiling at them. “We’ll see you soon.”

Leonard motions toward the door and while having him behind her is not ideal, she wants out of the room. He moves to walk silently beside her, and she allows herself to admire the paintings and photos lining the walls. Footsteps pull her attention back up as a brunette approaches them.

“Lenny!” the girl grins, then turns her attention to Sara. “And Sara, right?”

As she gets closer Sara can see the small fangs in her smile. “That’s right…and you’re?”

“Lisa,” the woman offers her hand. “I’m Leonard’s sister.”

Sara accepts the gesture, again surprised at the difference in temperature. “It’s nice to meet you…I think.”

Lisa just laughs, eyes sparkling with a life Sara didn’t know was possible in her kind. She turns to her brother, “I’ll catch you later.” She presses a swift kiss to his cheek before dancing away.

They begin walking once more, and she glances up at her escort. “This isn’t what I pictured Coven’s looking like.”

She gets a short chuckle in return. “This is not a coven Miss Lance.” There’s a hint of real amusement in his features, “and most of the team here would take insult to being called such.” He indicates his head to a room on their right, and she follows him in.

It’s a gathering room, with couches and recliners spread around a large TV. As they enter a large man rises from one of the cushioned seats to approach them. He’s the opposite of the one beside her, his jeans and shirt loose fitting and crumpled. He radiates a heat and energy that Sara is familiar with, a slow anger building as light reflects off something around the man’s neck.

“Sara,” Leonard speaks from her side, “Meet Mick Rory, our-“

“Werewolf,” Sara finishes, looking up at the man who’s watching her curiously. “Collared like a family pet,” she growls.

“I like this one,” Mick grins, “She’s got fire.” He looks back down at her, “But the collar ain’t a form of ownership Blondie.”

“I made it,” a new woman, dark skin and jet black hair, steps up beside them. She only reaches his shoulders but has a powerful presence all the same. “It has properties to help keep his…hotter emotions…manageable.”

He smiles down at her, “Saves a bunch on clothes,”

The new figure turns back to her, “It is good to see you awake.” She rests a hand over her chest, “I’m Amaya,”

“You’re…not a wolf or a vampire.” Sara looks at her curiously.

“No, I’m a practitioner of the old arts.” She offers a wry smile, “Or a witch, by most people’s standards.” She shrugs, “But aside from a little magic, I’m quite human.”

“An android, two vampires, a werewolf and a witch co-existing…The more I see the less I understand,” she frowns.

“Refuge is a place for outcasts.” Mick shrugs, “all kinds of us ‘ere.”

“You hardly strike me as the type to be tossed aside by society,” she gives Leonard a side glance.

He’s smirking at her again, but there’s something self-depreciating this time. “You’d be surprised.” He motions back to the main hall, “Come, I’m sure Rip and Gideon are waiting.”

“Lead the way,” she motions, following him out.

She doesn’t realize she’s started to limp until he’s slowed to walk beside her. “Perhaps touring the grounds was not the best of ideas with your injuries.”

“I’ve managed with worse.” She glares, and he just watches her with a distant curiosity, but doesn’t move from his place alongside her.

The next room they enter appears to be a lab, a young man turning from one of the tables as they enter. “Snart! Good, I was hoping you could –” he trails off as Sara comes into view. “Ah, I see the newest guest is on the mend.”

“This is Sara,” Leonard replies.

“Oh!” he gives her a blinding grin. “I’m Raymond, but everyone calls me Ray.”

“Human,” Sara raises a brow.

“100%” he nods.

“So what’s your story?” she asks, looking around the room. “This seems like a strange place for a man of science.”

Before he can answer a new voice comes from a second doorway. “Ray, are you done with that plant yet? Amaya want’s it back.” Sara’s attention is caught as the light reflects off twin pairs of sheer wings on the woman’s back. They flutter impatiently as she stands with arms crossed, inky hair pulled back to reveal her dark eyes and features. She gives Sara a half-glare, “What are you looking at? Never seen a fairy before?”

“Zari, be nice!” Ray half sings as he turns, “Lily went to water it, I’ll take you to her.” He turns back to wave at Sara, “It was nice meeting you Sara!”

As Leonard leads her toward another doorway she looks back. “I’m not sure what I find more strange. The human size fairy, or the scientist in a hideaway for the supernatural.”

“Well, Dr. Frankenstein is the reason Zari is our size. She can also be small, and it’s far more irritating.” Len makes a distasteful face before shaking his head.

Sara stops, staring at Leonard’s back in surprise. “Wait, did you say Frankenstein…as in the Frankenstein?”

He turns, amusement in his eyes. “A descendent yes.” He frowns, “apparently attempting to conquer death runs in the family. It’s why he’s here.” Leonard motions forward, and they resume walking. “Raymond’s fiancé was killed, and so, struck with grief he decided to bring her back.” He shakes his head, “It failed, but was enough to catch Rip’s attention…which is a story I will let him tell.”

“Okay…so if there’s not a monster, then why is he still here?” Her body is beginning to ache, and she attempts to focus more fully on the conversation.

“The scientific community aren’t huge fans of his work. And, despite his painfully bright personality, he’s good to have around. In fact, he and the other resident science geek, Lily, are the ones who made Gideon’s current form,”

“And Lily, is she?” she cocks her head.

“Also human. Rip rescued her from a changeling nest, she’s grown up here.” He offers a half smile, “She’s some of the more tolerable company in this place.”

If he says anything else Sara misses it, her attention captured entirely by the immense library they’ve stepped into. Sunlight comes in from windows, many of which have reading nooks tucked neatly inside. Two figures rise from a table at the center of the room as they approach. One Sara recognizes as Gideon; the other, a thin man with sharp eyes and short hair in disarray, is unfamiliar.

“Hopefully Leonard was not to terrible of company,” the man has a distinctly British accent, brown duster shifting as he approaches.

Sara offers a half smile, “I’ve spent time with worse.”

“And with that,” he offers a half bow, “I have other matters to attend to.” He gives Sara one last look, “Miss Lance.” And then he’s gone.

“Vampires, they do enjoy their dramatic exits.” The other man shakes his head, making a sweeping motion toward the table. “I’m Rip, the head of this..”

“Household.” Gideon finishes as Sara sits across from her. “Dysfunctional as it may seem.” She has that little half smile again.

Rip nods, “And we’d like you to join us.” He settles next to Gideon once more, “But I’m sure you have questions, so please,” he makes an open gesture before him.

“Who are you?” she narrows her gaze, “How did you find me?”

He chuckles, “By trade I am a Hunter, one of Van Helsing’s line.” She tenses, and he waves a hand dismissively before them. “But I assure you I mean no harm.” He offers a depreciative laugh, “I have not been part of the order for many years.” He motions to the woman at his side, “As for locating you, it’s one of Gideon’s skills.”

“I am able to sense out non-human lifeforms using a vast array of information alongside my algorithms and probabilities.” Gideon picks up, “It is how I located you, and also how we knew you were not like the others of your pack.” She frowns, “I just wish we could have reached you sooner.”

Sara shakes her head, “I would not have come.” She gazes out one of the windows, “Even now there is a pull…to return to them, even though I know it would end poorly.” Her attention shifts back to Rip. “But why leave hunting?” her gaze narrows, “Why walk away from that to build this place?”

“Have you ever been in love Miss Lance?” he asks in return, sadness in his eyes.

“Yes…I think.” She frowns, “But that’s hardly an answer.”

“On the contrary, it is entirely the answer.” He runs a hand through his hair, leaving it in some disarray. “I fell in love with a woman, we were married, had a beautiful son.” He sighs, “But eventually the order learned she was not human,” there’s darkness in his eyes, “And they took my family from me.”

“I’m sorry,” she drops her head slightly, “I didn’t-“

“It’s quite alright,” he gives a small smile, and she notices how Gideon’s hand has moved to cover one of his on the table. “But that is why I made this place. Somewhere that others like Miranda; who are victims, not monsters, can live.”

She looks down to where her hands fidget against the table, and then back up to the pair before her. “You must understand, this is a lot to process.”

“Of course,” Rip nods, “Life in the Refuge is very much different than any home you have had.”

“We do not expect an answer now, only that you think on it.” Gideon offers her an encouraging smile, “Come, we have a room you can stay in while you decide.”

Sara takes the offered hand, allowing the woman to lead her up a set of stairs and down a door lined hall. “How many of you live here?”

Gideon shrugs, “It varies.” She motions to one of the doors, “Leonard likely introduced you to most of our full time residents. But there are a few that are in and out.” She motions to Sara’s clothes, “Kendra was kind enough to offer her clothing while she is away.” She shakes her heads, “Shifters do not settle anywhere very long, but she and Carter will be back I’m sure.”

Gideon stops, unlocking door and allowing it to swing open. “I must insist you remain with us until your wound has healed; but regardless of your final choice the manor is at your disposal for as long as you wish to stay.”

Sara nods, and Gideon leaves her with her thoughts. Rip is waiting when she reaches the main platform, his mouth set in a thin line. “Will she stay?”

“I cannot be sure,” Gideon shrugs, “But I do not believe she has many options.”

“I do not want to frighten her, but she is in a great deal of danger.” He sighs, “Phoenix are a rare breed, and their power is sought out by Hunters and creatures alike. The wolves already know of her existence, it is only a matter of time before others join.”

Gideon pats his arm, “Let’s not rush things, there is a good chance she will choose to remain with us for other reasons.” Her hand slides into his, fingers linking as she pulls him toward their own room. “One challenge at a time my love. One at a time.”