#c: arrow

“T-Those are my kids.” Oliver asked, tears falling down his face as he looked between William and Mia.

Then you watched Connor’s interaction with John and then everyone looked over at you.

“Hi...Mum.”

Everyone stared at Dinah as her mouth dropped.

“M-Mum? I-I don’t. I’ve not got a daughter.”

“Because you haven’t yet.” William stated and you glanced back at him in question.

“I think we’re in the past.”

Mia and Connor had a look of disbelief on their face whilst you agreed with William. You were one of the few people in the future to have ever experienced time travel; your Aunt Sara having taken you on a few missions on the waverider.

“He’s right. This place is new and our parents. Look at them. No gray hair, no wrinkles. What year is this?”

You asked, looking back at the group of parents.

“2019. What year is it supposed to be?”

Oliver asked when you and the rest of your friends let out a gasp.

“2040.” You answered.

“Okay, guys, we need to talk.” Oliver said, going into leader mode as he walked to a corner of the bunker, the rest of the parents following.

You and FTA followed suit and found an empty corner beside some weapons.

“How the Hell did this happen and why do you seem so okay with this?” Mia asked.

You were currently stitching her wound, as the bleeding had steadied, when you pulled on the last thread harshly as you answered.

“Because I’ve time travelled before. My Aunt Sara let me go on some missions with her when I was growing up. I got to see different time periods and she got to teach me how to fight. Win-Win situation.” You answered coldly.

Now that everything had relatively calmed down, you allowed yourself to run over the events that had just passed and suffice it to say, you were pissed at Mia because Zoe wouldn’t have been there in the first place had it not been for Mia’s stubbornness.

“Y/N-“

“I don’t want to hear it, Mia.” You replied coldly, closing the first aid box.

Connor then interrupted and explained how he was unsuccessful in killing JJ due to the fact that you guys had ended up here the moment he was about to kill him.

Mia then began to allude to killing a young JJ to prevent his reign of terror in the future before you, Connor and William disregarded her plan.

“We can’t tell our parents about the future or what just happened.” Mia stated, tenderly touching the bandage that now covered her wound. “Thank you, y/n.”

You merely nodded your head and listened as William began to argue.

“As much as I hate to say it, I agree with Mia. How are we meant to tell Rene his daughter is dead and John’s son is the one who did it? We can’t, William. It will have repercussions that we cannot control.”

You all then looked over as Oliver cleared his throat to get your attention. He, your Mum, John and Rene were stood in the centre of the bunker, quietly watching how the four of you were arguing.

“How about we all get some rest? We’ve all had quite a big shock tonight.” Dinah said to everytime, but maintained eye contact with you.

Since having revealed that you were her daughter from the future, she, understandably so, hadn’t said a word to you. But it still hurt.

“We have nowhere to stay. If you want, we could stay here?” You asked before your Mum interrupted you.

“No, that’s silly. You can come stay with me.”

***

“Home sweet home.”

Dinah said, closing the door behind her as she dumped her keys on the table.

“Where’s Laurel?”

“Oh, she wanted to be alone because she’s still grieving.” Dinah answered, confused as to why you were wondering why she wasn’t here.

“I’m sorry. Will she be okay?”

“I hope so. She knows she has us all, so there’s something at least. How about you? Are you okay? Are we okay? In the future, I mean.”

Dinah asked as you both sat on the sofa. Now that you were alone, for the first time ever, you found yourself in an awkward environment with your mother. Conversation usually came so easy to you two but finding out you have a daughter when you’ve not even been born yet kind of throws a wrench into that.

“Yeah, we’re good. We’re more than good. You’re the best part of my life, Mum. Dinah. I’m sorry. This is awkward and I don’t know how to handle this.”

“It’s okay. You can continue calling me Mum, if you want. I kinda like it.” She shrugged as she ran her hand over your arm in comfort.

The gentle embrace had you tearing up, as you hadn’t fully processed Zoe’s death and you knew you couldn’t even mention it to your Mum in fear of the rest finding out.

“Y/N, are you okay?”

“God, I’m just so exhausted, Mum. Like so exhausted.”

“What do you mean? I thought the future was a good place?”

“I-It is. I’m just so tired. My personal life is kind of a mess back home.” You said, lying through your teeth.

“Oh honey, it’s okay.”

Your Mum said soothingly, not even hesitating before wrapping her arms around you in a motherly embrace. You relaxed in her arms, and just like every time you hugged her, you felt your problems wash away and your mind ease, if only for a few moments.

***

“One of these days, I’m gonna slap Rene upside his head.”

You looked up at your Mum in question.

After your mini breakdown last night, you and your Mum had spent almost the entire night talking, just like you used to in your time. It made you feel better about this entire situation and you were grateful for your mother in any time period.

“What’d he do, Mum?”

“He just messaged me saying that William told him he becomes Mayor and now he’s acting as if he’s my boss.” She said, reading the text from her phone and rolling her eyes.

“I told William not to say anything about the future.” You added, rolling your eyes too.

“You really are your mother’s daughter.”

You and Dinah looked up to find John and Connor standing in front of you, grinning at you both.

“Oh, I didn’t know it was ‘bring your kid to work’ day.” Dinah said sarcastically making you smirk and fight to hide a laugh.

“Right back at you, Dinah. Connor thought he could help. He was an agent at an organization called Knightwatch.”

“It makes A.R.G.U.S. look like a kindergarten class. The Canaries are comparable, though.” He said, grinning once more at you as you rolled your eyes again.

“Canaries?” You glanced back at your mother and then widened your eyes at Connor. You guys weren’t doing a great job at not revealing things about the future.

“Haha, uh, he-forget it.” You waved your hand as if you were literally dismissing something real.

When Dinah and John raised their brows in question at each other, you smacked Connor‘s arm and scolded him.

“Ow, jeez, y/n.” He whispered and when your parents looked at you, the two of you suddenly smiled and pretended to act nonchalantly.

Dinah then changed the subject and showed you both something that was left at the crime scene of a bombing at Starling General. Connor then revealed the hidden message using a black light. You watched as he frowned and then excused himself to check his phone when it rang.

“This is Mia, I should probably go. Y/N?” He said, widening his eyes slightly to let you know he found out something he didn’t want your parents to know about.

“Yeah, I’ll come too. We’ll catch up later?”

“Yeah, of course. Be safe.” Your Mum said, kissing your cheek and quickly hugging you.

As you and Connor walked out SCPD and made your way to Oliver’s apartment, you started to speak.

“I’m sorry that you and John aren’t as close at the moment.”

Though you were glad that you and your mother were on good terms, you did feel bad that the rest of your team’s relationships with their parents had gotten off to a rocky start since you guys came back.

“It’s okay. It’s to be expected. I’m glad for you and your Mom. I know how close you two are. Time has no impact on that.”

“Thank you,” you smiled, “so, what did you see?”

He then began to explain the phrase he saw and the relevance it had to JJ.

“Shit, what are we going to do?”

***

After having relayed the information Connor had told you to William and Mia, you were all divided on how to handle the situation. You and William wanted to tell your parents but Connor and Mia wanted to handle this themselves.

You found yourself starting to get even more annoyed at Mia’s stubbornness but relented when Mia said that they could avenge Zoe by going after JJ themselves.

You all then went to an abandoned building that would later become Galaxy One’s home base. You decided to split up, with Mia and Connor in one direction and you and William in another.

As you and William started to look through the empty space, you heard Mia and Connor yell, “JJ” and before you could run up to join them, you found yourself surrounded by a handful of Deathstrokes.

Just by looking at them, anger coursed through your body as the image of JJ ramming a sword through Zoe’s chest came to the forefront of your mind.

“This is gonna be fun. Don’t move, William.”

You ran straight for the Deathstroke soldiers and began fighting them. You narrowly missed the swipe of their swords and you ducked under one of their arms before putting your full force into your kick to one of their chests. They fell to the floor, the sword clattering down beside them. Quickly picking it up, you stabbed the soldier on the floor and got ready to fight the other two remaining.

Just as you were about to strike, they fell to the floor in front of you, revealing John and Rene with their guns raised. You all jumped when you heard an explosion and ran out the building to find Connor and Mia, now joined by Dinah, Laurel and Oliver.

“You guys have got some explaining to do.” Laurel said, coughing as the smoke filled the air.

***

After the explosion at Galaxy One, which was sure to have consequences, you all went back to the bunker where you were scolded by your parents.

You all explained the significance of the building and that the Deathstroke’s leader was Grant Wilson, Slade’s other son.

“So if you knew it was Grant, then why did you call him JJ?”

You all stilled at the mention of JJ and looked at each other as if mentally asking whether or not to reveal the truth.

“Connor, what’s going on?” John shouted causing you all to flinch.

Connor then explained that JJ was the Deathstroke during your time and that you all thought he had come back alongside you. William then revealed the true nature of Star City in the future and how it’s overrun with crime and corrupt cops and politicians.

Then when William began to refer to Zoe’s death, he was harshly quietened by Mia.

“No, Mia. They have a right to know.”

William continued to explain how JJ had killed Zoe causing Rene to storm out with John and Connor following him.

“Now look what happened. We shouldn’t have told them.” Mia said, shouting at the both of you.

“You know what, Mia? I’ve had enough of you. This is your fault. JJ may have killed Zoe but it would never have happened if you hadn’t been insistent in us going in the first place! She told you that it was a bad idea. We both did.” You started to raise your voice then willed yourself to calm down and speak with a steady tone.

“There’s a reason why we were left in charge. For God’s sake, Mia. You jump into situations without thinking it through. Learn something from your goddamn father, for once.”

You watched as the blonde opened her mouth then closed it, unable to think of a retort. You hoped that, this time, she’d finally take your words into consideration.

Just now realising that you and Mia were still in the bunker, surrounded by Dinah, Laurel, Oliver and William, your cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Realising that, William attempted to change the subject.

“Zoe was fighting to fix exactly what her dad helped cause. That's why she was a Canary like both of you.

“You guys had a whole network of them in the City.” You added, smiling.

“And that's what Connor was talking about earlier?” You nodded at your mother. “And yet, we still failed to save the city.”

“Mum, you and Laurel helped us try and make it a better place. You trained Zoe and I and countless other women. We saved so many people, all because of you both.”

“Thank you, honey. I’m gonna go check on Rene.” She sighed.

“C-Can I come with you?” You asked with uncertainty but relaxed when she nodded.

***

“Aunt Dinah! I didn’t know you were gonna be here.”

You were currently outside Rene and Zoe’s apartment building in the Glades that looked a hell of a lot different than it did in the future. You watched your mother and Zoe hug when they pulled away and the latter looked you confused.

“Hi, I’m Zoe. Nice to meet you.” You shook her hand.

It was extremely weird and heartbreaking to see Zoe so young and happy.

For as long as you’d known her, she’d been so worried about the city and was later broken by Rene’s betrayal. The only time she was ever truly happy was when she was with you.

“I’m Tina. Dinah’s...cousin.” You lied, using the name your mother used when she went undercover.

Rene then ushered Zoe inside leaving you, Dinah and Rene alone. Rene expressed his fears of the numbered days with Zoe when Dinah offered some advice.

“Mum’s right. Just because she’s gone now doesn’t mean she will be. The future isn’t cemented. We can change it. It’s not all that hard to change honestly.” You explained, shrugging your shoulders.

“What? How do you know so much about time travel?”

“Aunt Sara used to take me on the waverider growing up. You and Laurel are great fighters but she wanted me to learn some League skills so she took me to Nanda Parbat where she, Nyssa and Talia taught me how to fight.”

You laughed when Rene and Dinah’s mouth dropped but was soon interrupted when your phone pinged with a message. It was Connor explaining that Mia had stormed out with Laurel and Grant had given a warning.

“We should get back, Mum. Rene, I’m sorry about Zoe. But I promise I’ll do everything I can to make sure she’s alive. I can’t lose her again.”

***

After arriving back at the bunker and discussing the next steps, you watched Connor storm away and put on boxing gloves. You approached him just before he threw the first punch.

“What do you want, y/n?”

“I get that you’re angry. I am too.”

“Oh really? Your relationship with your Mum is fine. Mine with my dad is not.” He said snidely making you push him.

“For fuck’s sake, Connor. I’m pissed about Zoe. Your brother killed my best friend. I’m not just going to forget about that!” You whispered harshly, keeping your voice low to prevent your parents from hearing.

You then tied your hair up and discarded your top, leaving you in your sports bra.

“Come on, a moving target’s better.” You sighed, picking up two sets of bamboo sticks, throwing one to Connor.

The two of you began sparring, aware of your parents watching you both.

***

“I need 3 units at the docks and another 2 in Pennytown, okay?” Dinah ordered one of her officers.

After your sparring session, Curtis had explained that the drive that they had found had revealed that Grant was planning another siege. Everyone, with the exemption of you, Dinah and Rene, had left to take care of the bombs.

You then watched as another officer brought in a handcuffed male and sat him in a chair. You and your Mum looked in confusion when you saw the male place something under the chair.

Then all Hell broke loose. The individual put on a Deathstroke mask and began fighting officers. You and your Mum ran over to the chair when you were grabbed by the Deathstroke soldier.

You grabbed his arm and flipped yourself to get out of his grasp before ducking to miss one of his punches. He pulled a gun from one of the officers but before he could shoot anyone, you screamed your Canary Cry, effectively flinging him through a window where he slumped unconscious against a wall.

“BOMB!”

You ran back to your mother and kneeled on the ground beside her.

“Bomb squad’s not gonna get here in time.” Your mother said.

“I got this.”

You had been taught how to disable bombs from different people over the years. They were skills that definitely came in handy.

Removing the device from the chair, you gently placed it against the ground.

“It looks like an IED but there’s something different. The way it’s pulsating makes me think that it’s linked to an intervalometer meaning that there should be a transfer switch in the original device. Luckily if I disable this, it shouldn’t trigger anything. I just hope the intervalometer is with the rest of the team because Connor will be able to disable that.”

You started to inspect the device. You gently removed the plastic cap, revealing two wires. Pulling a switch knife out of your pocket, you grabbed the red wire and cut it, rendering the device harmless.

You sat back against your heels and let out a breath. When you looked up at Dinah, you saw a mixture of shock, surprise and pride on her face.

“God, you’re brilliant.” She said, hugging you close to her.

“Well, I am my Mother’s daughter.”

***

After defusing the bomb, Connor was able to do the same, leading to Grant’s capture and imprisonment in Blackgate. Everyone then went their separate ways to spend more time with their parents so you, Dinah and Laurel ended up going back to SCPD after getting some Big Belly Burger.

The three of you were laughing like you did back home and it made you smile as you thought back to some of your happier memories.

“That sounds gross, Laurel.”

“Just try it.”

Laurel pushed her milkshake towards you and Dinah so you both grabbed a fry and dipped it into the drink. Surprisingly, it tasted quite nice.

“Not bad, Laurel.” Your Mum said as they both smiled at each other.

Though you had revealed a lot about the future, there were a few things you had omitted from mentioning.

“So, here’s a question, y/n. Why do you call John, Rene and Oliver by their names but Sara by Aunt?” Laurel asked you, going full DA mode.

“Ummm, because she is?” You said, unable to think of a lie. “These fries are yum.” You said, swiftly changing the topic causing Dinah and Laurel to share a look.

“Okay, that was weird. I need to run a quick errand but I’ll be back in a bit to work out the logistics of the Canary network. See you, Dinah. Bye, y/n.”

“Bye, Mum.”

The words were out of your mouth before you could stop them. You covered your mouth with your hands, as if trying to will the words back in your mouth, but the damage was already done.

“I’m sorry, Mum?”

Your Mums looked at each other in shock and then at you.

After all, she was the beloved Black Canary and Mayor Pollard could never act untoward about that nor to you, lest she face the judgement of the Star City citizens.

So she kept you beside her, allowing you to enlighten her and best suit her decisions for the public.

As you sat up, you contemplated the dream that you had awoken from. It had left you unsettled because, for the first time in a while, you had dreamt of Laurel and she had acted as your Guardian Angel - not any different than when she was alive but it still unnerved you.

You constantly missed your big sister, the ache in your heart a constant reminder but you had a feeling that the loss would be much worse today. Nevertheless, you had to get on with your life, so with a huff, you left the warm bed and started to get ready alongside Dinah.

***

“Hey, beautiful. How’s your day going?”

Dinah asked, as you entered into her office, case files strewn all over her desk. Clearing a space, you placed the food you had bought from Big Belly Burger down on the desk and leaned down to give your girlfriend a kiss.

“Okay. Pollard’s annoying me but what else is new? How about here?”

“A bit busy. But that’s to be expected given the events of tonight. Everyone’s scrambling to make sure the best protective measures are in place.“

Tonight, at City Hall, Mayor Pollard was due to be holding a function. One of the random fundraisers she always hosted, to pretend as if she cared about the Glades and the wellbeing of the people that lived there. She had you running around, double checking everything, which was a good thing as you weren’t idle long enough to dwell on the dream you had had earlier but you could still feel the painful longing.

“Y/N.”

You blinked, looking at Dinah, soda in hand, staring at you with concern.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“I lost you there for a second. What’s up?” Her eyes narrowed in question.

You could never hide much from your girlfriend, her detective skills always managing to have you spilling secrets, but this time, you were able to come up with a relative excuse.

“Sorry, nothing. I was just thinking about tonight and what else I have left to do for Pollard.”

It wasn’t technically a lie but it wasn’t exactly the truth either. And whilst you felt bad, you didn’t want to burden Dinah with your thoughts of her vigilante predecessor.

Looking into Dinah’s hazel eyes, you could see a sliver of doubt but she nodded at your answer,

“If you need to get back, we can always catch up later tonight.”

“It’s alright, Dee. I’m just-”

You were interrupted when your phone trilled in your pocket. Sliding the green answer button, you put the phone against your ear and winced.

“Someone has messed up. I did not want Salmon. I said chicken as the appetisers. And the podium has gone. I need it.”

Sighing, you spoke into the phone,

“Yes, Mayor Pollard. I’ll sort it all out for you and reprimand the individual responsible for you. I’ll be in your office in 10 minutes.”

Disconnecting the call, you shoved the phone back into your pocket with a sigh, horrified to feel your eyes welling up.

You quickly blinked them away as Dinah stood up, gently kissing your forehead and then lowering her lips to yours.

Dinah was only ever gentle with you. With anyone else, she was to be feared. Whether that be as the Captain of the SCPD or the Black Canary. But with you, that facade was gone and she allowed herself to feel safe with you which, in turn, made you feel safe with her.

Returning her kiss, you pulled away, “I’m sorry to do this. We’ll catch up later at City Hall.”

“Have fun with Pollard. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

***

Dinah could tell that you were a little off.

Since arriving at City Hall, you had avoided her, although that wasn’t hard because as Police Captain, Dinah was pulled in every direction.

But now, after the formalities of the event, a more relaxed atmosphere took over as drinks were poured and music was played. And Dinah watched as you remained in work mode whilst also drinking a lot. She did worry about your drinking, having been made aware of your sister’s past, but you were always collected, apart from tonight.

Dinah watched as you approached the bar, quickly downing, what looked to be, a Scotch on the rocks.

It was killing her to not be your source of comfort. She just wanted to make you feel better but wanted to know what had caused you to be like this in the first place.

“Hey, Dinah.”

She turned to face Oliver and Felicity, their arms wrapped around each other’s waists.

“Hey guys. Quick question, have you noticed that y/n’s been acting a bit weird today?”

“No, not really.” Felicity answered.

“Why? What’s up?” Oliver asked.

Having grown up with you, Oliver had become a brotherly figure to you and often took care of you; especially when you had lost Laurel and when Sara had left to join the Legends.

“I’m not sure. She-”

Dinah turned back to face the bar but was shocked to see that you were no longer there.

“I-I’ll be right back.”

You staggered into the hallway, your heels loudly clacking against the marble floor. After having rectified all of Mayor Pollard’s issues and successfully dealing with the fundraiser tonight, you found yourself drowning your feelings in alcohol.

You did feel bad because you had been purposely avoiding Dinah but you didn’t know how you could face her without breaking down.

Truth be told, you weren’t doing so well and you didn’t know why today was so bad. It wasn’t as if it was a special day for you to be missing Laurel but the loss felt as bad as it did the day she died.

Your thoughts were interrupted when you felt a strong hand push you against the wall. You looked up to find yourself caged by a man you barely recognised; some politician’s lackey in a suit.

You were too inebriated to properly fight back and when you tried to remove yourself, he pushed you back against the wall.

“Stay still, y/n. Yes, I know who you are. I see you everyday helping that bitch Pollard and I just can’t contain myself around you.”

He leaned in to kiss you, but you, now slowly gaining control of your actions, pushed him away once more.

“Get off of me, you creep.”

You struggled under his harsh grip as he pinned your arms above your head.

“Shut the fuck up. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.”

“Get off. Let go of me.” You repeated, now trying to thrash against him.

The hold he had on you suddenly relented and you looked up, surprised at what you saw.

“She said, let go of her.”

Dinah’s voice was hard enough to make chills run down your spine and you weren’t even on the receiving end of it.

She punched your attacker, leaving him unconscious and gestured to someone behind her to cuff him. When he was taken away, she stared at you.

“Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”

You shook your head profusely, immediately regretting that decision when your head started to spin.

“What’s wrong, y/n?”

“N-Nothing.”

“You’re lying.” She said, crossing her shoulders over her chest.

“I’m fine.” You said, intending it to come out firmly, but you could hear the defensiveness in your own voice.

“I can handle myself, Dinah.”

“Really? Because I don’t think you can. You’re acting fucking reckless, y/n! You’re never this drunk.”

You winced at her bitter tone.

“Leave me alone, Dinah. Please.”

You walked away, pushing away any attempts of her stopping you, and you went straight back to the bar.

***

As the music played, you felt yourself sober up after being given some food by the bartender.

Your eyes roamed the dance floor when you spotted Dinah talking with Rene and, when you jumped off the stool you were on, you watched as he nodded towards you and excused himself.

You made your way over to your girlfriend who was standing alone, leaning against a pillar.

Standing in front of her, you found yourself too exhausted for words and murmured a simple “I’m sorry’” as you wrapped your arms around her waist and rested your head against her chest.

Her arms, almost unconsciously, immediately unfolded as she held your small form; one hand around you, the other cradling your head against her.

“Y/N? Baby, what’s wrong?”

She gently held your face in her hands and turned your head upwards so you could look at her. She was stunned when she saw tears running down your face.

“Babygirl, you’re scaring me. What is it?”

Wiping away your tears, you sniffled, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. And I didn’t meant to be reckless either. I just-I’m not doing too good today, Dee. I-I’m really missing Laurel and I don’t know why. I’m sorry.”

“Oh baby,” She brought you close to her again, shushing you as you started to sob.

“It’s alright, baby. We all miss people that we’ve lost sometimes. You shouldn’t be sorry for that. I just wish you would have told me.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“Y/N, stop apologising, it’s okay.”

“You’re right. I’m s-”

You stopped yourself when you saw Dinah staring at you with a look you knew too well.

“Come on, let me take you home.”

***

It was the middle of the night and you felt at peace, Dinah having replaced the pain you were feeling with something much more desirable.

She was now asleep, curled up at the other end of the bed and you sighed happily.

You then felt the bed dip slightly as Dinah turned to face you. She gathered you into her arms and placed a gentle kiss on your forehead.

“I love you, beautiful.”

Your skin flushed at the endearment term. Even half asleep, her voice was still husky and had the same effect on you.