I was just watching Arrow and I felt the need the write this. I felt like Moira Queen wasn't actually a bad person. Sure, she had her moments, but still. There is a lot you can learn from her character. This takes place in Seeing Red (season 2) and contains spoilers if you haven't watched it.

Note: Italics are her thoughts

Disclaimer: I would have made Laurel less annoying in the show if I owned it

"Mom! What are you doing?"

Thea's voice was broken with sobs and heaves as she struggled against her bonds. Tears cascaded down her beautiful face as she stared at me in horror. Oliver, my brave and noble son, was watching Thea and I fearfully, while trying to untie the rope that knotted his hands together. I knew what he was thinking. He thought that this was all his fault. He thought that this death would be on his hands, but I knew the truth. This was my choice.

I, Moira Queen,

I stood up and turned to Slade...and the gun.

Mother of Thea and Oliver Queen and wife to the late Robert Queen,

"Mom! No! Please!"

Have failed this city.

"Thea, I love you and will always love you." I tried to pour out all my feelings towards my daughter with those words and our single moment of eye contact:

My time has come, and I deserve death.

Love. Pride. Regret for my wrong doings and lies...and a plea for forgiveness.

But my children don't.

Oliver was screaming at Slade...me...the world, but we both knew how this would end. I loved my son oh, so much. He was a warrior-a survivor. He didn't deserve the hell that he went through every day. But he was strong. He would take care of Thea. I was so unspeakably proud of him. He would save this city.

Save them. Let them live the rest of their lives to the fullest. Don't let them make same mistakes I did.

"There's only one way this can end, isn't there, Mr. Wilson." I faced him. I was done running and hiding. I stared already looked the devil in the eye. I had stared down death. Now, I welcomed I wasn't afraid to die to save the two people whom i cared the most about.

Let them remember how much I loved them. Don't allow them to blame themselves. Thea, I pray that you can forgive me for my lies. I had thought that I was doing the right thing by not telling you the truth. Now I know I was wrong. I wasn't protecting you, I was hurting you. Ollie, I pray that you would understand why I'm doing this.

Slade cocked an eyebrow and raised the gun so that it was level with my heart. I felt my tears dry on my cheeks as I closed my eyes. I was done crying. I would stay strong for my children- my babies. "Thea, baby, close your eyes!" I prayed that she listened. She didn't need to see what would come next.

Farewell, my children. Don't weep for me. I'm free now.

"You have great courage." Slade lowered and holstered his pistol. His words were as cold as ice and as poisonous as a black widow bite, but he still managed to keep a civil tone. For a moment, it looked like he would leave, but I knew better. Slade Wilson was a man hell-bent on revenge. He wasn't the kind to turn back down, especially now. I saw the glint of silver flash from his suit jacket directed straight for my heart. And for the first time in my life I stood tall.

This is the labor of my love.

I almost made my friends who don't even watch Arrow cry when they proofread this. Slade is a total...yeah, you get the picture. I'm sorry if I made it seem that Moira loved Thea more than Oliver. It just turned out that way. Please R&R