Roy passed a sign, barely reading it. Bludhaven, five miles. There wasn't any traffic. He gunned it around a bend, testing the limits of his red sportscar.

It was all Oliver's fault! The asshole had lost his nerve when Wilson returned from the dead. But he had to have known something like this would happen. The more Roy thought about it, the more it made sense. It was inevitable that the rich bastard would be discovered as the arrow. Then it was only a matter of time before Thea-

He shook his head. That was one topic he didn't want to think about right now. Not that he could. If not for Oli, he'd still have Thea. Still be able to protect her. Still have the one thing that kept him rational.

Roy checked his speed. He was well over a hundred miles an hour. He knew he should slow down, but didn't care. The engine revved higher as he pushed the pedal further.

Cherry lights flashed in the rearview mirror.

"Shit," Roy muttered. He angled the mirror away and floored it. His car practically screamed as it flew down the highway. Roy glanced behind him. The cop was keeping up.

Roy turned off the highway. The road wound through a forest. He slowed only enough to ensure he didn't wrap his car around a tree. He passed another sign. Bridge ahead, closed for service?

Roy slammed on the brakes and turned the wheel. He came to a screeching halt mere feet from the edge of a ravine. He understood why the bridge was out. Damage from a mudslide had demolished most of it. Roy punched the steering wheel. His car coughed, stuttered, and then died.

Roy opened the door and leaned on the hood. "Come on, girl. Don't you give out on me too."

Steam hissed out from under the hood. Roy slapped the car and ran a hand over his head in frustration.

Tires bit into the gravel behind him. Roy turned to see the patrol officer step out of the squad car. "Step away from the vehicle and put your hands on your head."

Roy bore his teeth and threatened, "Leave me alone. You don't want to mess with me."

The cop snorted and replied casually, "These are not the droids we're looking for."

Roy raised an eyebrow and looked at the cop. He wasn't old, certainly not any older than Roy. A rookie? 5'10 at most. And what was with the sunglasses? It had to be after midnight.

Roy glanced back at his car and sighed.

The cop said, "She's not taking you anywhere tonight. Where were you headed, Speedy?"

Roy felt his jaw tighten. "What did you call me?"

"Anyway, back to the point. You're under arrest for reckless driving, Speedy. Keep your hands on the vehicle where I can see them."

The cop started toward him, handcuffs at the ready. Roy felt his anger rising. "Don't call me that."

"What was that, Speedy?"

"I said, don't call me that!"

Roy twisted and punched the officer. He took it square on the chest and flew backwards. The officer rolled and ended in a crouch, sunglasses still in place.

"Damn you hit hard."

Roy was about to reply when the officer pulled the strangest pair of billy clubs from out of thin air. He pushed off the ground and leapt at Roy, going into a spin kick.

Roy blocked the foot aimed for his hip, but missed the billy clubs. Roy cursed as the club hit his arm, shocking him like a taser. Then the other smashed into his temple.

Roy toppled to the damp ground and passed out.

Dick steadied his breathing as he looked at the redhead he had knocked out. Who was he? Dick grabbed the handcuffs from where he'd dropped them. He locked them in place and went to the squad car. When the headlights hit the guy's face, he moaned.

Dick quickly maneuvered him into the backseat. He shifted against the vinyl. Sleeping beauty wouldn't be out for long. Dick worked fast.

He ran the plates and came up with a name. He looked at Roy in the mirror. Was the kid a meta? Dick considered hacking the world's best computer from his desk at the bureau, but then 'he' would know.

Dick groaned and pulled out his phone. This was going to cost him.

There was an answer on the second ring. "Hello? Wayne residence."

"Alfred? I need a favor."

"Ah, Master Grayson, does this mean we can expect you for Thanksgiving?"

How could he be so manipulative? "Fine. Could you go to the basement and do a little research on a Roy Harper from Starling City?"

"You'll have the information within the hour. And Richard?"

Dick felt his throat tighten. "Yeah?"

"It is good to hear from you again."

Click. Dick pocketed his cell phone after Alfred hung up. He glanced at the red sportscar. Be a shame if anything happened to it.

Roy woke up as his knees bashed into something. He was in a car. His hands were locked behind his back. The officer was in the driver's seat. Roy groaned and leaned against the door. Streetlights flashed in his eyes. Roy mumbled, "Where are we?"

The officer glanced back at him in the mirror. "Bludhaven."

Roy grimaced, but the cop said nothing else. They drove in silence to the department. As they parked, the cop's pocket began to vibrate. Roy got curious. Only officer Lance kept a personal phone while on duty.

The cop opened the door before answering. "Yeah." He listened in silence, then, "Thanks, bye."

The cop opened the back door and helped Roy out. As they started walking, Roy asked sarcastically, "Reporting to your mother?"

"My grandfather, actually." His tone said to shut up. Roy took the hint.

They walked to the processing desk. A woman in her early twenties smiled at the cop. "See you found another one, Grayson. But what happened to your uniform?"

The officer laughed and replied, "You know me. Catch the bad guy then slip in the mud." Roy nearly vomited as the secretary bat her lashes at the officer. Then the cop winked at her and said, "Can you get him processed while I check my voice mail?"

He didn't even wait for an answer before going to the back.

Dick went to his desk. He tried to focus on the paperwork he had to turn in, but kept coming back to Harper. From what Alfred had said, the kid had quite a record. Up until about eight months ago, he'd been headed straight for a cell.

He had turned his life around. Got together with one of the richest families of the city, only to mess up now. And that punch had to be close to Connor's strength. He frowned and hung up the phone. He couldn't concentrate on the message anyway.

Roy waited in the holding room. He was starting to get impatient when the door opened. Officer Grayson took a step when a feminine cough was heard.

"Oh, Richard, I forgot to give you his file."

Roy snorted, earning a look from the secretary. Officer Dick? He entered and shut the door, cutting off the click of the woman's heels.

Grayson sat across from him. He folded his hands on top of the folder. "So, Roy, what are you doing out of Starling City?"

Roy cocked an eyebrow. The cop hadn't even opened the folder. Grayson slid a sheet of paper to him. "Here are your charges."

Roy scanned the page and asked incredulously, "$500 bail?!"

He was confused. Why was the guy going so easy on him? Roy had evaded and assaulted him. He should be headed for jail time.

Grayson asked, "Is there anyone you can call?"

Roy looked away. Thea would kill him if she found out. And Oli… Roy couldn't forgive him yet.

"No."

Now Grayson raised an eyebrow. Roy swallowed. Why did he get the feeling the cop knew everything about him?

Grayson sighed. "I'm off duty in a few hours. You don't have to, but would you mind waiting for me in the lobby?"

"The lobby?"

"Yes, you're free to go." Grayson emphasized it by leaning across the table and unlocking the cuffs on Roy's wrists. He stood and said, "I'll escort you up front."

Grayson left him in the lobby. Roy asked the secretary, "Can you tell me where my car was impounded?"

The secretary glanced at him over her glasses, all earlier sweetness gone.

She clicked a few keys on her keyboard and said, "If it's been towed, it's not in the system yet. The lot will call you when it arrives."

"One more thing. May I have a copy of my charges from tonight?"

She shuffled some papers. "Here. Richard already told me to make sure you got this."

"Thanks."

Roy looked around. Should he wait? The cop seemed like a good guy, but Roy didn't particularly want a cop for a friend. Especially with the type of lifestyle he kept. He pocketed the paper and left, the bell above the door jingling as it closed.

Roy pulled his hood up. The clouds blocked the moon as it started to rain. He wandered around until the scent of baking bread wafted through a door. Roy glanced at the sign. Café and Bistro. Roy entered and took a corner booth.

The waitress, an overworked college student, made her way over. "Can I get you anything?"

Roy glanced at the folded table top menu. "Uh, coffee, black, and whatever the pie special is."

"Great. So one coffee and a slice of blackberry pie. You want whipped crème?"

"No thanks."

She sashayed away to the counter and returned with the promised pie and coffee. Roy smiled in thanks and she winked as she returned to her post. She leaned on the counter and resumed a conversation with a couple of regulars.

Roy took a sip and pulled out the report. As he suspected, someone had posted bail for him. A bank account was posted and stamped 'paid in full'.

He pulled out his phone and turned it on. As he waited for it, he stared at the account again. The cop had to have contacted someone, but who? His phone went into a spasm. Roy jumped in surprise. The screen lit up. 8 missed calls and 26 missed texts.

He scrolled through the calls. 3 from Felicity. 1 from Diggle. 4 from Cin.

He didn't bother with voicemail and jumped to the texts.

Cin: Where are you? Thea called and she needs you.

Cin: Pick up your phone, dickweed!

Diggle: Don't do anything stupid.

Felicity: R U OK?

Unknown Number: Roy? This is Sara. Felicity gave me your number. Listen-

Roy stopped there. No doubt she wanted him to return to the basement like a good boy. He'd had enough of slapping water. Roy glanced through the rest of the texts. Cin was most frequent, her insults becoming more and more immature. Felicity had heard through the scanners that he'd been pulled over. He sighed. There was no privacy anymore since she could hack all of his personal info.

The last message was from Thea. Roy swallowed hard and clicked to open it.

Thea: Hey, idiot, this is Cin. My phone died so I borrowed Thea's. You know, the girl you're head over heels for? Anyway, when you pull your head out of your butt, call, or better yet, come by the queens' palace. That's where I'll be, since you aren't, ASSWIPE!

She had capitalized asswipe.

Roy sighed as he chewed the pie. He really wanted to go home to Thea. Hell, he couldn't think of the last time he'd thought of his tiny apartment so fondly. The mansion was home now. But he'd never forgive himself if he hurt her.

He put his head in his hands and exhaled heavily. As much as he hated it, Oliver had made a point. Until he learned to control whatever the miracuru had done to him, he was a danger to everyone. His phone began to vibrate. Roy flipped it over. Felicity. Well, she had saved him from getting the guts to call her.

"Yeah?"

"Roy? Oh thank God you finally answered. I saw you'd been arrested and then-"

"Slow down, Felicity. Yes, I was arrested, but it wasn't a big deal. Listen, I need you to track a bank account for me."

"Ok, I'm ready."

Roy read the number. Felicity went quiet. "Felicity, you still there?"

"Yeah, I mean, naturally I'm still here. Where else would I be. It's just, why do you want that particular number?"

Roy suddenly blanched. Had Felicity paid bail for him? "It's not your number." Roy said it as a statement, waiting for her to admit it.

"Of course it's not mine. I'll look into it." Click.

She hung up on him. Roy stared at his phone. That was so unlike her.

"Trouble with your girlfriend?"

Roy jumped as the waitress refilled his coffee, which was still two thirds full. "More like nagging sister."

She set the coffee pot on the table. Roy's eyes widened as she sat across from him. She pulled a fork from her apron pocket and asked, "Do you mind?"

Roy looked down at his pie. He'd only eaten one bite and had been slowly destroying the rest. Crushed blackberries bled juice across a macabre battle field of crust. He pushed the plate toward her. "Go ahead."

The waitress, Barbara, as her nametag said, took a giant bite of pie. As she chewed, she aimed the fork at Roy. "So stranger, what brings you into my humble shop this late hour?"

"Car trouble. Shouldn't you be working?" Roy answered matter-of-fact. Even though the regulars at the counter had left and he was the only customer remaining.

The waitress retorted, "My shift ended ten minutes ago. My replacement just arrived. And you're a terrible liar. So, you got arrested. Did your sister pick you up?"

Roy put his head in his hands. "She's not actually my sister, just a good friend of my ex-girlfriend's brother. And no, she didn't get me out. Felicity just happens to listen in on the police scanners. But I don't know why I'm telling you this. Would you please leave me alone?"

"And I thought my family was bad," Barbara said around pie as she ignored his request. "So why are you here, kiddo?"

Roy raised troubled eyes. No one had called him that in years. And she couldn't have been more than a couple years older than him. She smiled sweetly. She was actually being sincere!

Roy sighed and explained sadly, "I didn't want to hurt her." He didn't even bother telling who she was. "I'm the kind of guy who tends to attract trouble no matter what I do. I pushed her away… she got hurt anyway. I should have been there to protect her. But if I go back, I'm right where I started."

A hand covered his shaking fist. Roy forced his eyes closed and took a breath.

"Someone once told me they were leaving me behind for my own good. I punched him in the face. Then I went home, ate a quart of double chocolate ice cream and cried my eyes out. A couple days later, I quit my job and registered to take my classes online. I moved to Bludhaven. When I saw my boyfriend, I punched him again.

"See, caring about someone is always a risk. Don't hate me for saying this, but by pushing her away, you're only protecting yourself." She patted his hand and sat back to finish, "So champ, I'm guessing you don't have a place to stay tonight. Walk me home? I've got a couch."

Roy looked at her incredulously. "You're going to let a complete stranger crash at your place?"

She winked. "Not a complete stranger. We've been talking for almost two minutes and you shared your pie with me. By all accounts we're now besties. Just promise me you're not a serial killer in disguise?"

Roy smirked. "Thanks, Barb-"

"Babs. No one calls me Barbara. Give me a second to get my keys."

She ate one last bite of pie and skipped behind the counter. Roy used the few precious seconds to review this idea. Could he trust her? But it wasn't like he had anywhere else to go… Roy put a couple bills on the table and stood. Babs returned with a raincoat and umbrella, keys jangling from a band around her wrist.

Roy pulled his hood up against the pouring rain as they stepped outside. Babs opened the umbrella and grabbed Roy's arm, linking it with her own. She held the umbrella over both of them. He asked, "Do you want me to hold that?"

She passed the umbrella handle over and patted his arm. "See, you're chivalrous. No way you're a serial killer."

Roy couldn't help a small smile from forming. Babs giggled. They walked for a while. Rain patter was interrupted only by the rare car engine and the splash of their feet. Roy took in their surroundings. Bludhaven wasn't as big as Starling City, but it was large enough to warrant more night walkers. They hadn't spotted anyone since leaving the shop. Roy whispered, "Man, this town seems dead."

Babs smiled grimly. "It wasn't always this way. Bludhaven used to be a place for families to get away from the big city, but still have the convenience of it. Over the last five years, it's become a place for lowlifes and criminals. Now only the brave or foolhardy walk the streets after dark."

"What does that make us?"

Babs didn't reply. Roy heard a noise in the alley. He pulled Babs to a stop beside him. She asked, "What's wrong?"

Five shady figures stepped out of the shadows. Roy threatened, "Keep walking, unless you want to leave on a stretcher."

The leader, a big guy with tattoos covering both arms sneered, "That pipsqueak you hired won't be able to protect you, Miss Gordon. We told you what would happen if your boyfriend didn't stay away from Creery."

"You know these guys, Babs?"

She answered with a disgusted scoff, "They're thugs from a local drug cartel. Their leader, Alister Creery, moved in a few months ago. Ever since then, the neighborhood's gone to shit."

"Bitch! Don't talk like we're not here!"

Roy shot the man a death glance. "Stay back, Babs. I need to teach that bastard some manners."

He handed her the umbrella handle and stalked forward. The guy who had spoken laughed. "What you gonna do, twerp? Tickle me?"

Roy sprinted the last five feet, his fist inches from the guy's face. The leader yanked his underling back by his shirt collar, dumping him on the concrete.

Roy snarled, "Way to save his ugly face. I was just about to fix it."

The leader threw a boxing punch. Roy sidestepped and blocked with a forearm before catching the man's wrist and twisting. The leader flipped and landed on his back, gasping for air.

"Now where was I?" Roy turned to glare at the other four would be muggers. They stood their ground as Roy advanced. The one who had insulted Babs was still on the ground.

Roy crouched in front of him. "I'd be smart and get out of here before I break more than your nose."

The terrified man stuttered, "M-my nose?"

Roy grimaced and flicked.

Babs heard the crunch from where she stood. Who was this guy? He had training and potential, but his form was sloppy. Despite that, he had managed to take out Creery's top gun, a man who would have been a professional boxer if not for drug charges.

The man in the red hood stood and looked back at her. In shock, she realized he didn't know what to do now, since he'd scared the thugs so bad they weren't leaving. "Down boy," Babs called sweetly. "It's time I got you home and dried off."

She walked to him and linked their arms again, finally breaking the trance he seemed to be in. As they walked the last block to her apartment, she resisted the urge to look behind her.

Roy hoped Babs couldn't feel him shaking beside her. It had taken all of his control not to smash that guy's brains all over the sidewalk. As Babs unlocked her door, he glanced back. Their assailants had fled.

She led him in and locked the door. Roy was suddenly cautious. Had the thugs broken in? "Wait here." She raised an eyebrow, but stayed in the foyer. Roy took a look around. It was a nice apartment. Living room, bed room, kitchen, and full bath… all clear.

"Whatcha lookin for?"

Roy jumped. How had Babs snuck up on him?

She said, "Listen, Sparky, I need to take a shower and gather my thoughts while I try to understand what happened back there. So you better stay put until I'm done. If I come out and you're gone, I will press charges saying you attacked me. Capiche?"

She disappeared into the bedroom and came back with towels and blankets. She tossed them to him and commanded, "Get out of those wet clothes. I'll set out some things for after you shower."

Roy watched her as she went to the bathroom. It was just a little water. But she was something fierce. Who knew what she'd do if he didn't get out of the wet clothes. He waited until he heard running water before stripping. He wrapped a towel around his waist and looked more thoroughly around the apartment.

A cold fireplace had a stack of wood beside it. A box of matches sat on the mantle. He reached for them when a picture caught his attention. It was a dual frame. One side showed a couple. The man had a grizzled mustache and the woman had wild hair, the image of Babs.

The other side was of a beaming young boy, twelve or thirteen, hanging off the arm of his smiling father. An older man watched lovingly from the background. Roy glanced around. They were the only photos to be found.

He grabbed the matches and had the fire going in minutes. His phone buzzed in his sweater pocket on the floor. He grabbed it and sat against the couch. Three missed texts from Cin via Thea's phone.

Thea: Hey, just letting you know I'm taking Thea to the secret place where we met.

Thea: Dude, you're starting to scare me. You never take this long to reply. Do me a favor and don't be dead in a ditch somewhere.

Thea: So this is my last text before I call missing persons and start dredging ponds. Would you please let me know you're alive?

He really had worried her if Cin had stopped insulting him. But what could he say? Anything would set Cin off. Eventually he typed: Cin, I'm still alive. I don't want to hurt her anymore. If I need you, I'll call.

"Who's Thea?"

Roy pulled the towel tighter around his waist as Babs looked over his shoulder at his phone. She had ditched her uniform for rabbit covered pj's. "Shower's free."

Roy shot her a patronizing look and went to the bathroom. As water ran down his back, he thought about how strange today had gone. A cop had let him go easy while a woman threatened him after he saved her. Bludhaven was a weird town.

A door shut. Thinking of Creery, Roy's hand went to the valve. He heard Babs say, "You're home early."

"You got company?" Why did that sound familiar?

"He came to the shop soaking wet and sat in the corner all alone. He needed a place for the night."

"Babs, this is a person, not a lost puppy."

"Yeah, but…. he's special. I saw him take on Creery's men."

"Wait… What were you doing fighting those bastards?" The guy was getting angry.

Roy shut off the water and grabbed the towel. Babs whispered, "I told you, he's special."

"How so?"

"He broke a guy's nose with one finger, Dick."

Roy felt his blood drain. Oh hell no. Was his luck that bad? He slipped on the pants Babs had loaned him and came out toweling his hair. They were talking by the front door. Roy leaned against the wall out of sight, still listening.

Officer Grayson finally sighed and asked, "What's his name?"

There was a pause. Babs replied innocently, "You know, I don't think I asked."

"Babs…" Roy smiled at the tone. Then the officer hissed.

"What was that?" Babs demanded.

"Just a little accident."

Babs replied, "A stubbed toe is an accident, Richard. What happened?"

Roy could practically feel the heat rolling off her. Grayson answered, "A perp punched me. I'm looking into it."

Roy could tell this conversation was heading downhill. He walked over and leaned on the doorframe. "You know, under different circumstances this would look so much worse."

Dick couldn't believe it. It was like the guy knew him and followed him home. He smirked and said, "You could have saved me the hassel and stayed in the lobby."

Harper grinned. Dick couldn't help but smirk back. Babs glared and kicked, catching Roy across the temple.

"Babs!"

She rounded on him. "Alright mister, you have some explaining to do."

A caustic voice whispered in the dark. "What a pretty little flock of song birds. The bluebird, the oriole, and the cardinal, but where is the jaybird?"

Dick shot up in bed. Babs shifted beside him. He half expected to see a shadow in the corner. The curtain blew softly. Dick went to the window. The sky had cleared enough for a crescent moon to shine through.

He closed the window and locked it. Strange… he could have sworn he locked it earlier. Dick ran a hand over his head and went to the living room. The fire had died down to the glow of embers.

Roy was sleeping on the couch where Dick had moved him after convincing Babs it was safe. Dick was kind of surprised Roy had stayed out. But now that he slept, Dick could see how tired the redhead was. Dick went to the fire escape to climb to the roof. The night air helped clear his head. A bird startled out of its roost. Dick turned, instantly alert.

Click.

"Bang, you're dead."

Dick turned and shot back, "Hello to you, too. What're you doing here, Jason?"

"Don't I at least get a hug from my big brother?"

"No. Last time, you tried to break my arm. I repeat, why are you here?"

Jason Todd put his gun away and leaned back on the railing. "Alfred tipped me off about a case you're working. Thought it might be the same guy I'm chasing. I think he's right."

Dick smirked. "You actually pick up the phone when Alfred calls?"

Jason looked away and ground out, "I may be crazy, but no one fucks with Alfred."

"I can't believe you said those words in the same sentence." Babs stood next to the ladder with her arms crossed.

Jason continued, "Anyway, I'll be hanging around for a few days. I don't care whether you help or not." He grinned and finished, "Now, who's the redhead sleeping in my bed?"

Had this bouncing around from back when I was an avid Arrow watcher. No idea what I had planned as this was drafted almost ten years ago. Let me know if I should keep writing it. Feedback is my ambrosia.