108/Welcome To Starling City

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Welcome To Starling City
Date of Scene: 25 February 2020
Location: Queen Mansion
Synopsis: Oliver takes Vanessa to his family's mansion to keep her safe from Yu Phun's thugs.
Cast of Characters: Vanessa Carlysle, Oliver Queen




Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
The last 72 hours had been a whirlwind for Vanessa Carlysle. She'd been hired as an escort by, as it turned out, a drug smuggler named Yu Phun. A smuggler who Green Arrow had been investigating for his connections into the drug trade in Starling City.

Yu Phun had gotten Vanessa's fingerprints on the drugs, and after a Green Arrow raid of the penthouse, Vanessa found herself arrested for felony drug possession. Her lawyer, an overworked public defender, just wanted to her her plead guilty in exchange for reducing her prison term to just a few years. A few years!

Then things had changed, and rapidly. A rather famous lawyer and superhero showed up to take her case, paid for by a charity, the Queen Legal Justice Fund. Vanessa's new lawyer cut a deal to get charges dropped if Vanessa agreed to testify against Yu Phun and his men.

She was released and no sooner made it home to her apartment, when two men showed up, talking to her through her door, telling her to make the smart decision about testifying. They departed as another person arrived at her door. Oliver Queen.

Vanessa only knew him by his first name, from a few nights early when she'd met him by chance in a diner. There was a lot of talking and laughter, and dancing as they got their money's worth out of a jukebox. Only Oliver had disappeared while she was in the lady's room.

But now he was back. Whisking her away to the Waldorf Astoria for the night, and then out of the city to Starling where he could protect her from Yu Phun's men. Now? The pair arrive at Oliver's mansion, the black SUV pulling up, flanked by another car with Oliver's security he'd had guarding Vanessa in New York.

Oliver Queen has posed:
Oliver had been following the trail of this Yu Phun for a time now, part of a new gang making their way into Starling City. It was why he had gone to New York, under the guise of attempting to acquire Rotschild Technologies.

But things did change when Vanessa came into the equation. He decided he had to protect her and so he did, decided to bring her back to Starling. Initially she was going to stay on a safe house but .., things evolved.

The trip through the Hyperloop took barely any time. The miracles of technology. Though as they drive on the SUV Ollie has been -very- interested on some news that have been cropping up about the saving of a plane during Tony Stark's announcement for presidency, "Who do you think it could be?" he asks, a strange intensity to his gaze. An hopeful one?

But then they arrive at their destination, stepping out of the SUV and going over to open Vanessa's door. They are parked on the driveway, the mansion gardens about them.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa doesn't seem to have any answers for the saving of the plane. "I can hardly keep track of the superheroes out there," she tells him. She glances through the car's side window and up at the sky. "I'm just glad they are out there," she says before turning back to Oliver. "Though I think maybe I found my own superhero here with his feet on the ground," she tells him, flashing the man who saved her from jail, and worse, a warm smile.

She waits for Oliver to come around when she sees him making the trip around the car. Once the door is open she rests her hand in his and rises from the car. Despite her humbling upbringing, the young woman has that bit of an elegant demeanor to her. The sort of thing that Oliver's mother is likely to pick up on and approve of. A mother always wanting her son to find a woman worthy of what she deems he him to be.

Vanessa looks from Oliver over to the house. "It's not New Lots," she says, naming the spot where her tiny apartment in the slums is located. "But I imagine we can make do," she says with a slightly teasing smile. If Oliver doesn't let go of her hand, she doesn't let go of his either. Since the scare at her apartment, his presence has been something she has sought out.

Oliver Queen has posed:
At least there was one good thing left from all his earlier days as a playboy, and that was his manners. Oliver takes Vanessa's hand to help her out the car and offers her a solemn nod once she is out, blue gaze meeting hers, "Yes, welcome to Queen Mansion." he takes in a deep breath, turning to look up at the house and the surrounding gardens. His whole demeanor is more relaxed, fully at home now. This seems to be a man that clearly loves his roots.

The mention of 'making do' makes him chuckle though, glancing sideways at Vanessa. "I do hope the accomodations will be to your liking, Highness." the same teasing tone to his voice and his hand squeezing hers. He doesn't let go of her hand. Shy? Embarassed of Vanessa? Clearly not. "Come, lets have a tour inside." the security men start moving into the house ahead of them, two remaining out while their bags are carried out by some of the help.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa is looking at Oliver as much, or more, than the house and gardens. The way his shoulders seem to relax and he draws a cleansing breath are noticed, and it brings a smile to the alluring young woman's face. "I can tell it's home to you," she says quietly, smiling over to him, and the squeeze of her hand is returned.

She drifts over closer to Oliver as they move towards the entrance. "Is this were you grew up?" she asks him, turning to look towards the stately mansion again. Her eyes drop away for a moment, and for probably the twentieth or thirtieth time she finds herself wondering at the turn her life has taken. Appreciating it, definitely, but still overwhelmed. And more than bit swept off of her feet by Oliver Queen.

Oliver Queen has posed:
"Very much so." A gesture with his free hand to the front of the house and he begins to lead there. "Not just this house, but the city itself." he then letting out that rumble of a laugh of his, "Not sounding too home-attached I hope." he leads past the foyer, their steps echoing in the large salon. "I did. Me and my sister Thea. She and mother probably aren't home yet." he hrms and continues leading off through the corridors.

"I am sure they will love you." Perhaps not exactly his mother at first, but it can be worked out. Hopefully.. But his eyes get drawn to the young woman while they walk about. "This is a big change for you." he then asks, noticing that dropping of her gaze. Observant. "How are you feeling about it right now? I want to make sure you feel comfortable."

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
The talk of Oliver's family brings a softening of Vanessa's expression, and a growing smile. "I hope that they do," Vanessa says, her tone doing a good job of hiding any concern she might hold on that. She has been very focused on Oliver, but thoughts of actually meeting his family never entered into her head until this very moment.

Vanessa gives a warm laugh and a nod. "Pretty big change, yes," she agrees to him, though her demeanor positive. "Not exactly one of the worse," she says with a little comedic roll of her eyes. "I'll miss hearing Jerry snore off his latest bottle in the alley. But I'm sure I can find a few positives to make up for that," Vanessa says. Her eyes visibly drift over Oliver then as if indicating the positives. The house clearly is second fiddle in that regard.

Vanessa squeezes Oliver's hand. "I'm good. Still a little swept away. But I'm not uncomfortable. Not at all," she tells him. "I don't know that I've ever felt as safe as I do right now with you," she tells him.

Oliver Queen has posed:
With Vanessa living here right now it seems an inevitability to him, that they will eventually meet. Though it's true that the actual -thought- of it hadn't crossed his mind yet until he began speaking about it. Things do have been going very fast. But he can't deny himself.

He is still wondering about that when Diggle makes his way over, a nod both to Ollie and then to Vanessa with that solemn manner of his. Then a faint smile. "Oliver, the house is secure. When you are done, maybe we can have a word downstairs." a nod from Oliver and then Diggle is making his way out through another door.

They are on the ground floor though, so is there a basement here? Not that he has led the two of them through one yet. But then again the house is big enough.

"I am glad it doesn't rank near the worse. For me it's turning to be quite the opposite." he leads them through the ground rooms, living room, kitchen and a couple of bedrooms but then nods upstairs. "I will show you upstairs, come." then smiles to her, pulling her gently closer to him. "I am glad that you are here. And safe. We will make sure that it continues like that." but he does tense a touch. He still needs to take care of Yu Phun, and the rest of that gang.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
After giving John Diggle a soft, friendly smile, Vanessa follows along through the house. The opulence of the home of a billionaire family is not lost on her at all, but the young woman has a demeanor that is appreciative without seeming as wowed as the girl from New Lots, and Cleveland's outskirts before that, probably is. Oliver's mother might not even suspect her of humble origins if Vanessa can carry that elegant demeanor all the time.

"It's gorgeous," Vanessa says of the house, though she seems to share the experience of seeing it with Oliver, through smiles and her fingers brushing his, rather than losing herself in it as some might.

"I can't imagine anywhere I'd feel safer," Vanessa tells him as they start to ascend the stares. "I really hope your family will be alright with my presence," she says, looking over to Oliver. "I want everything about having me in your life to be without regrets for you," she tells him.

Oliver Queen has posed:
There seems to be mix of the old with the new. Renovations have been going through the house but it still keeps that old look, the bookcases with books, various pieces of antique furniture and even some family portraits painted on the walls. As they move up the stairs one is more noticeable, that of his father. A painting to which he looks towards longer than others. But some moments later Oliver's eyes are back on Vanessa, "It's been through a lot. But I have found it's the people here that really make it feel like home to me. Family, or even those friends that eventually family themselves." a brief smile of the memory of perhaps happier times.

"Thea will most likely be delighted. I think she will quite like you." And the tone with which he says that shows he knows his sister well, looking quite confident. His mother he doesn't mention. One thing at a time, but he doesn't really seem worried.

They ascend to the second floor, "You will have a few bedrooms to choose from." he explains, starting to lead down a hallway, but then he looks directly Vanessa. "Regrets? No." he says, "I have had many in my life, but you certainly aren't one of them."

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa Carlysle seems to notice Oliver's attention given to the painting. She looks to it as well. "Is that your father?" she asks him, and in the kind of mild, normal tone that probably would give the impression she's not aware of the Queen family history in this regard.

Hearing that Thea will probably like her brings another soft smile to Vanessa. "I hope she does," she agrees as they walk along the hallway, seeing the different rooms. Vanessa drifts a little closer. "There's probably one I would favor if I'm honest. But, I will behave," she tells him, giving a little humorous eye roll. "I mean, if I must," she adds, gaze going back to Oliver, eyes shining with a warm light.

Her expression softens, and it's easy to tell she's thinking about the day, day and a half spent at the hotel before departing for Starling City. She looked at him a lot like that during that time.

Oliver Queen has posed:
"Yes, my father. He was a good man." The way Oliver says it seems as if he is trying to convince himself of that as much as he is saying so to Vanessa. But he doesn't swell on the matter, perhaps something for later. Instead his focus goes to the bedrooms, and her teasing reply which makes him laugh again. He turns to face Vanessa then, "Behave? I am not sure you know how to." a brief flash on his eyes, perhaps recalling previous experiences with her. Yet his tone is just as teasing.

"I am sure we can find a compromise somewhere." His expression also appears to soften, large fingertips up to brush and bring some hair away from her face. And indeed, the way he looks at her also seems as if he is going over that day they spent together.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa leans over against the doorjamb of the room he was showing her as he reaches up to brush her hair and touch her face. "Sorry, didn't realize you'd lost him," she says quietly. Vanessa reaches her own hand up to Oliver, first touching his shoulder, but then moving softly to his neck.

If he allows her, she leans forward to press a soft, loving kiss to his lips. A gentle one, and only lasting a second or two, as if careful that they are in a hallway of his family home. "To compromises," she says, letting her face grow into a warmer smile. "And I /can/ behave, Mr. Queen. I just don't often care to," she counters with a little bit of playful attitude.

Her voice softens. "Do you think those men will try to follow us to here? I think they'd be crazy to try anything here at your home, but... I wonder if they'll give up once they realize I'm not in New York?"

Oliver Queen has posed:
The touch up on his neck makes Oliver exhale slowly and also drawing him closer to Vanessa. The talk about his father does sober him up some yet he nods a touch, "He was with me when our plane crashed at sea." he explains, but the way he says it's as if he expects her to know what happened to him. He is indeed one of those people not too used to meeting people out of Starling. Unless we are talking about other superheroes who are normally aware of it.

But then the kiss comes and he loses himself in it, fingertips gentle and holding her chin up to him no matter how fleeting the moment is. "You will have to show me more that sometime soon." he tells her, faces still close.

"I can only be sure that the threat is over when they have been arrested." he says, the decisiveness on his tone as if he'd have a direct hand in it. "This group has been trying to infiltrate the city for a while now, from what my sources tell me. Yu Phun was one of their top members. Putting him away would severely reduce their ability to act." he explains.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa's head tilts a small amount as Oliver gives brief mention of plane crash at sea. Her eyes grow more gentle and sympathetic. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize," she says quietly, and her fingers touch in a more soothing way for having brought up the memory. It's a story she knows she'll need to hear. But Vanessa will wait and pick a better time to ask.

Then they kiss, soft and tender. She smiles to him. "Luckily my schedule has an opening for later. I'll pencil you in for a more thorough demonstration," she promises Oliver with a warmer, teasing grin for the happier topic.

The brunette young woman nods slowly as Oliver mentions what is going on in the city. "Sounds like something for the police. Or, well, the Green Arrow was the one who raided that penthouse. Maybe he's out to get the same results you are?" she suggests. "Seems like a handy one to have on your side if so. But, I feel much safer just knowing I'm here with you," she tells him.

Oliver Queen has posed:
"I like the sound of that..." Oliver now sounding rather amused, "A thorough demonstration." he echoing those words. The talk about what happened during that plane crash seems to be stashed away for later too, his immediate focus on her. And he has had enough time to process what happened so he doesn't linger on it for too long. His hand trails down her jawline and finally leaves her face, resting on a shoulder. A touch of 'complicity' between them.

Yet he sighs at the mention of the police. "It's hard for the police to intervene on these cases. More often than not they know how to evade them, or have the kind of weaponry that would create a large number of casualties." he says, "But yes, I believe the Green Arrow is as interested as I am in making sure they get taken down." he has a good poker face, but the way they have already connected, and what they shared makes it seem as if there's something more than he is telling with those words. "But being a vigilante means most people don't know who he is. Often to those people's safety too."

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa moves closer, enough that Oliver can feel her gently resting against his muscular torso. Her other hand joins the first in just tenderly touching, fingers moving up over his jaw and across his cheeks. "Well, even if I ended up caught up in it? I'm glad he's out there doing what he's doing," Vanessa says of the vigilante. "We need more people who care that much. Which is easy for me to say when I'm not picking up a bow and... I still don't know how he got off out of there. Maybe he flies too," she says, shaking her head and smiling.

"I'm happy to just focus on what is before me right now though," she tells Oliver. "The man who came back for me. And saved me. And... well, I'm kind of crazy about you, if you haven't noticed."