everyonelives | coming at you fast, midnight

[She shakes her head.]

It was an event. Some eldritch being was trying to destroy the multiverse, and they almost succeeded. But there was a me there from a timeline where you died and I grew up alone.

[She can't even really count Felicity, given how much she was keeping from her.]

I didn't even really get to know William. Everything was different.

And you... remember this timeline. You have ever since you became a slayer.

( He takes that in, waiting for the answer. )

Is that why you stayed away for so long?

[She takes a deep breath, then nods slowly.]

I was having a hard time keeping track of what was real and what wasn't. Throw vampires and demons into the mix and things only became a lot worse.

It sounds like it was just as real as you or me, as your brother. It doesn't make things less real. It doesn't make me or Laurel or you or any of this less real. But, it makes it harder, doesn't it? Living with both.

( The survivor's guilt she must be carrying. )

And why will your uncle Barry be killing you?

[She takes a deep breath.]

Because you were there too, in Crisis. But there are reasons that he doesn't want you to remember.

( Barry, there will be words. )

It involves you, he didn't think I'd be concerned?

It involved all of us, and he knew you would be, which is why he didn't want me to tell you.

[She reaches over and takes his hand.]

Don't be too mad at him, okay? He's just trying to protect you. He couldn't have predicted that I would remember out of nowhere.

He also shouldn't have asked you to keep it from me. It should have been your decision. Not his. No matter what this Crisis entails.

( His fingers curl around hers as he pulls her in for a hug. )

Nothing, not even my death would ever change what you mean to me. And I'm sorry you had to live through that.

( And he's sorry the memory lives in conjunction with her other memories. He pulls back. )

It was bad, the other universe?

[She nods a bit into his shoulder as she sighs.]

Star City fell apart. Gangs took over. It was worse than it was before you started being the Arrow.

And you didn't grow up with William?

( With Felicity, Laurel... he can read between the lines. )

[She shakes her head.]

Mom took me away, kept me hidden. William didn't even know I existed. But we found each other eventually.

Felicity hid you away?

( From who? )

It was a choice you made together.

[She isn't sure why, now, if it was because Oliver knew Crisis was coming, or if it was another rogue standing as threat, but there was danger, so they took her away.]

Mom took me to a safe house and I grew up there. Some things are the same. Nyssa still trained me.

What happened to William?

( If he wasn't raised... )

His grandparents?

[She nods.]

Yeah, he grew up with the Claytons. Started his own company. He and Zoe were still really close.

[So not all of the hallmarks of their life here was gone, but certain big things were.]

Does he remember this?

( Should he be better at this? Has Oliver missed the chance to be there for his kids? )

[She shakes her head.]

He knows I remember, but he doesn't remember himself. As far as I know the only people who remember other than me are Uncle Barry and the other paragons.

Paragons.

( Okay. )

Okay. You can always come to me. Always, even if you think I won't like what you have to say.

I know.

[She offers him a small smile.]

It wasn't because I didn't trust you. It's just ... a really weird thing to say out loud.

Trust that I have experienced weird. Your uncle Barry and I switched lives once.

( Completely. Lives, powers, relationships. )

I know.

[She does know that he can handle it. But he can't protect her from herself. He can't save her from her own head.]

I know it doesn't seem like it sometimes, but I do. Sometimes I just need a little time.

I know. You and your brother wouldn't come from me if you didn't.

( He half squints one eye as he follows what he just said. )

And if you need the time, or you can't come to me. You have him. And, Laurel if we're not qualified.

Either Laurel honestly. Though your Laurel, it tends to be if you need something blown up fast.

[She appreciates her stepmom for who she is.]

She is the nuclear option for a reason.

She's also honest to a fault. If you're looking for a no-frills answer.

( Laurel 2 is not a frills Laurel. Neither is, really. He's not going to say their Laurel has mellowed, because she hasn't. But she's been through more. She's rounded herself off. She's a family woman now. And yes, she has her extracurriculars. And occasionally disappears to another time. She's still Laurel. )

That she is.

[She smiles a bit.]

She's been really good for you. If I haven't told you that lately.

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