1440/Coney Island Stories

Coney Island Stories
Date of Scene:	29 April 2020
Location:	Coney Island
Synopsis:	A return to life without fearing attacks from drug smugglers ends up with a night out in Coney Island.
Cast of Characters:	Vanessa Carlysle, Oliver Queen

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Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
The trial of Yu Phun was finally over, Vanessa having testified against the drug dealer who had been sending his men after her since Green Arrow had first burst into his penthouse, resulting in Phun's arrest. That he was caught attacking a witness on her way to trial, with a rocket launcher, meant this was only the first of several trials to come, though at this point they would just extend his sentence.

Now that the threat of his goons is finally gone, Vanessa has relaxed a little more. At Oliver's asking where she might like to go to celebrate, Vanessa had given it some thought and suggested maybe a day at Coney Island, finishing it off with dinner back at the diner where they'd first met.

So it is they arrive at Coney Island in the evening. The place is already hopping, the rides started up, the smaller ones playing the normal sorts of carnival songs one would expect. The carnies are calling out to get people to come play their games, most of them rigged in subtle ways to be especially difficult for most people.

Vanessa's wearing a pair of jeans and a blouse that fits her snuggly to show off her form, walking with her hand in Oliver's. "So, what would you like to start with? Have you been here before?" she asks him.

Oliver Queen has posed:
There had been a faint, lingering tension on Ollie all day. Not that he had opened about it just yet. But he had relaxed when at his suggestion of where they could go and celebrate Vanessa mentioned Coney island, but more importantly having dinner at the diner they first met at. Because who can resist a good, ol' blueberry pie? Not Oliver!

He was hoping that Yu Phun would indeed stay out of commission for a good while, even if he knew there had been someone above him. There was always a bigger shark afterall. Yet what was true is that they were lying low. So maybe the threat not just to Vanessa, but to Starling, was starting to wane.

And no suits for Oliver on their trip here. Just to relax? It means jeans. It also means a good shirt, a light, black jacket. Just in case it gets nippy. "You know..." he says when they are arriving. "Maybe I should had come in a suit equal to the one I had when we met..."

Fingertips laced with Vanessa's he looks around, squinting his eyes at one of the titles 'Blood brains in a jukebox..' ominous. "I have never been here. I take suggestions or..." and he points to the biiig wheel. "We could start there."

Because leave it to men to go for the big, shiny thing. He is grinning though.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa smiles and looks over to Oliver, eyes going down his form. "You do look good in a tux," she concedes, letting her eyes linger just enough to be playful before lifting her gaze back to him. "Maybe we can catch a show on Broadway another night and dress up?" she suggests to him.

Vanessa follows his gesture towards the immense Ferris wheel that should afford such a great view of the island and the nearby ocean. "The great big shiny wheel it is," she says with a soft laugh and a nod of her head.

A hand reaches up to brush back some hair from where it blows across her face as they start waking over towards the immense ride. "This feels... different," she tells him as she looks around. Vanessa gives a little shrug of her shoulders. "You realize I only had one night of knowing you where I wasn't looking over my shoulder continually? This may take a little getting used to again," she says. "Though I'm looking forward to it." She smiles and leans her head against the taller man's shoulder.

Oliver Queen has posed:
Yes, Oliver catches that look, his blue gaze turning on Vanessa and he making the gesture as if he was adjusting a tie. "So I have been told." bit of a cocky little grin to his expression. The suggestion does seem to catch his interest. "I would like that. I used to go there when I was younger, with my parents. It's been a while since.." he does smile at that memory. Simpler times? Certainly, but he was also not that boy anymore. "Besides, what man would be fool enough to not want to see you on a dress again?"

When he gets his way about the Ferris wheel he lets out a laughter. "What? Look at how big it is..!" he continues on along the walk with Vanessa. Somewhat leisurely. It did feel good to be able to relax. Even if he wasn't ..., just relaxed enough.

"I hadn't actually thought about that." He admits. For him, living in danger, juggling his personal and the life of the Arrow it had always felt natural. Though he could well understand how it wouldn't be for Vanessa. "But it's true, our life together has been a wild ride, hasn't it?" then a look to the wheel. "Well, hopefully the wheel won't be as wild..." a beat. "I am looking forward to it as well, Vanessa." and indeed there was a calmness to him when Vanessa was nearby. It felt right to have her here with him. At the leaning against his shoulder he reaches up, brushing fingers on her hair, just as they are arriving near the wheel. Time to buy tickets and step in!

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa keeps her head there against Oliver's shoulder and leans against him as they walk over to the ticket booth together. "A little relaxing time would be nice. I suppose I should probably start thinking about what to do with myself. I haven't really looked beyond the trial much, before now," she comments as they get in line.

Vanessa smiles at the fingers moving through her hair, and softly nuzzles her cheek to Oliver's shoulder, until it's time to get into the basket that will carry them aloft. She takes a seat on the padded bench, and waits for Oliver to be seated so she can snuggle in against him, expecting it will be colder up higher in the air. Ok, that's just an excuse to snuggle, really.

"I figured I should probably ask about staying with you. If that's something you'd like to continue, or if you'd rather I found my own place, found a job and all," she says as they start moving upwards along the circle, climbing slowly, but every higher.

Oliver Queen has posed:
Yes, this indeed feels better than right. Vanessa there against him, the night air brushing against skin. It makes the man taking in a breath, eyes closing briefly. But too soon they are on that basket. Does he fear heights? He spends his nights up on roofs! One would hope not..

And he certainly welcomes Vanessa against him when he sits down, even if not without first offering her his jacket so she can drape it over her shoulders if she so wishes. The way it should be. But whether she takes the jacket or not he wraps one arm about her shoulders to keep her close. Thoughtful. "First order of business would be to begin moving your things over to the mansion." he says, as if the question if she stays with him or not didn't even need to be made. "On hindsight, perhaps I should had started doing that by now but ..." he lets out a sigh. So many things to get done all the time, but now they would have more time with the trial gone.

"What would you like to do, Vanessa? Besides moving in?" his blue gaze turns so he can look at Vanessa, already they going further up, half-way to the top, and with a good view of the island but also of the water.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa Carlysle accepts the jacket and then snuggles into the arm that goes around her, the curvy young woman resting lightly within the fold of the older man's arm. "I did bring a few things over," she tells him. "That day with the museum robbery, some of the security and I went over to pick up a few things. But, maybe it would be best to clear the rest out," she says. Vanessa doesn't comment either on Oliver wanting her to stay moved in with him, but it shows on her face. It definitely shows there in her smile.

She draws a slow breath as if the question about what she'd like to do is not a simple one. "I really don't know, to be honest. Oliver, you can guess I was never really an over-achiever in the career field," she says in a light-hearted but rueful tone. He's never really brought up the occupation he found her in at the penthouse, and neither does she. "I suppose... maybe that has changed? I mean, I know these are your skills and knowledge. But it could definitely open new paths that I never considered before. I've been trying not to pry into your memories too much. But some of the business dealings, maybe? Things about business and running a company?"

Oliver Queen has posed:
"Right. Where Quiver was born." A teasing grin at Vanessa. Yes, he might tease her about the name, but sometimes that first instinct about a callsign was the right one. And it was growing on him. "Have you thought on a good catch phrase by now?" He asks her, still with that teasing look and grin to his expression. Sure Oliver! Because Green Arrow is so much different! "He will make sure it becomes a more permanent move when we go by. We could even do a bit of it tonight after the diner if you wanted." he suggests.

The question makes him consider too. Finding out our call was never an easy one, and he knew the harshness of Vanessa's past. Or at least parts of it. It wasn't something they had shared too much of each other just yet. He knew they would in time though. "We all have moments in our lives that define us. That change us. A few years ago I was just going to be another vapid playboy that would just life off the Queen family money. Now I am different." he says, his fingertips idly brushing over Vanessa's hair while their climb continues.

"Right now there are an whole lot of possibilities open for you. Running a company, why not? Or you could even come and help me at Queen Consolidated. Ellis would loove to meet you." yes, he was so curious about that meeting.

But then he speaks up. "Thea is looking for a calling of her own too, maybe you two could get into business together if you wanted. She always dreamed about a club."

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa rests against Oliver and looks out at the view as they talk. The basket rises up as the Ferris wheel turns, and soon they are reaching the peak where the whole of Coney Island and the nearby neighborhood of Gravesend opens up for their viewing. The lights are just coming on as the sun is setting off to the west, while south the ocean extended away from the boardwalk along it, waves sometimes making little lines of white where they crest and break upon one another.

"Hrm," Vanessa says thoughtfully. She rubs her chin at the thought of Queen Consolidated. "Ellis?" she asks, and then looks like she's thinking and suddenly she gives a soft chuckle and shakes her head. "My, quite a... fellow, isn't he?" she says as some of Oliver's memories of him come to mind. "But, good at giving you the free time you need to take care of things. There and elsewhere."

Vanessa rests her hand on Oliver's leg down near his knee as she rests in the fold of his arm. "A club, that's an interesting thought," she says. Oliver would know from the lawyer's files that she in addition to working on the streets, she worked in a strip club at least part time. "I can actually pour a pretty decent drink. And have been around enough I could probably be useful," she says thoughtfully.

Oliver Queen has posed:
"Mmmm, I was right about choosing the wheel to go first." Oliver says. Because it is indeed quite the view, even if not exactly compared to what he sees when he looks down at Vanessa. It brings a deep smile to his lips, his arm squeezing her just so against him. He takes in a deep breath, taking in the scents of the place, the calmness. Up high. It does remind him of when he is Arrow. Watching from above, surveying. Vigilantism isn't only beating on bad people, or heroics. Sometimes there are moments like this too.

"Yes..., that fellow indeed." And now he laughs again. It was almost like cheating. She'd certainly have a good advantage on poor Ellis when they met. Though it was about time that he met his match.

"I had this idea you would like it. Maybe I have my powers too." He states. Oliver, the mindreader. Or simply read her file, yes. That's almost mindreading isn't it? "She hasn't gone ahead with it just yet but ..." and then he sighs. ".. I do worry about her sometimes. She is picking up the suit again, and she doesn't want me to know it." though of course he does. "Though talk with her, see how you two feel about it. I haven't told her about your new powers yet."

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
"I'm ok with her knowing. Though... well I guess instead of telling people they seem to be your skills, I could just go with I've got training and not really go into the details? Though I do really like Thea. I wouldn't mind her knowing, just I know what you've said about being cautious," Vanessa replies.

She gets a soft grin. "I did think about a catch phrase. You know, maybe ease into it though rather than go full bore like you. Maybe... 'You have modestly disappointed this neighborhood!'" Vanessa says, making her voice gruff as if imitating the sound of the voice modulator, even as she's breaking out in a grin she flashes at Oliver.

She reaches a hand up to the back of his neck and then leans up to softly kiss him. After their lips part, she leaves her forehead there against his. "I can't even describe how you've changed my life, and my world, Oliver. It's something the movies wouldn't even touch for being too unbelievable. I'm just... speechless at what you've come to mean to me."

Oliver Queen has posed:
"You will eventually come across her on the cave, one way or another. I will let you be the one sharing it, however you want it to be. We don't need to go into details, as afterall we don't really know them well either. Reminds me we should try to catchup with Clint and his contacts soon. I will phone him." Though not just yet, Oliver feels way too good right now, up there on the wheel with Vanessa. Relaxed... Yes, so very good.

The mention of a catch phrase does make him curious. Eyebrows arch. "Let's hear it ..." and then he does hear it ...

He goes through various stages right then. Disbelief that someone would dare to do so, then even more disbelief! A passage to amusement which then skips into full, open laughter. "You realize I will never be able to say my phrase again without thinking about that anymore, do you?" he finishes it all with a snort but then he leans in, intimate, placing a kiss on Vanessa's lips when she brings that hand over his neck to pull him in, savoring that proximity between them. "You have changed mine as well, Vanessa. I am very glad we chose to come here tonight." another kiss placed on her forehead.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa breaks out in her own warm laugher, her hand trailing down from Oliver's neck to his chest. "I do like your catch phrase," she tells him through her grin. "But if it makes you fight to not chuckle sometime, I'm ok with that," she says, breaking out in more warm laughter.

She nuzzles her face gently against his after he kisses her forehead. "Yes, it's a good spot. Lots of people, and a good energy. But yet, there's plenty of ways to be alone and share special moments here," she says. She glances down at the amusement park below. "Who knows, if you get lucky might take you under the boardwalk to neck for a little while," she says teasingly like they were teenagers.

Vanessa closes her eyes then and just savors being with the man she loves. "And we should get ahold of Clint. I'd like to know what's going on with me, if we can find out. Why it's happened and... well, how it works. Who knows, maybe it's catchy. Have you felt like you've picked up an encyclopedic knowledge of the kinds of movies they show at 2am?"

Oliver Queen has posed:
The man lets out some fake grumbling about chuckling at his catchphrase. "I am sure you do like it, but you knew well what you were doing when you said it." Oliver says it in good humor, giving Vanessa another brief squeeze.

The mention about going under the boardwalk catches him by surprise, "Well, Ms. Carlysle. Who knew you were such a minx, mmm?" he teases her. Though she does know her quite well by now. Not that it doesn't bring a laugh out of him. "And what would I need to do to get lucky like that, mmm? I need some guidance here.." because there's always a clueless teenager involved! Was he ever one though? Not that he remembers.

Somewhat relaxing after he lets the wheel go up to that peak, it moving slow and giving them a good, nice view. "We will find out, Vanessa. No doubt there." but then he lifts a brow. "Are you telling me you are a connoisseur of all those obscure movies, Vanessa?"

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa pees down at the park below. "Well, I think it usually involves some carnival games. Showing how strong you are. Spending $20 to win a stuffed animal that cost them 75 cents," she muses. "Oh, and beer. That goes without saying of course," she adds with a soft, warm laugh.

Vanessa leans her head over against Oliver's shoulder. "More an expert by circumstance than anything. I've kind of done a good job concealing some of them from you bit I'm a little... neurotic about personal safety. I had some bad experiences. Maybe you've noticed I get up and go downstairs at night. It's... because I start thinking about the door locks and I have to go relock them to make sure they are really locked," she says.

She gets a sheepish look. "It's not been as bad while with you though. In my apartment? I probably wore a path in the carpet to the door. And I wouldn't be able to sleep at night after. So I'd end up laying on the couch, turning on whatever movies they had on late at night. Until they put me to sleep. Thus... expert," she tells him.

Oliver Queen has posed:
Yes, that does bring Oliver back to the past. The beer, carnivals... It makes him laugh along with Vanessa, "You are truly destroying all the mysticism and nostalgic feeling I had about these places." his tone teasing. Another shake of his head. "You do realize we would need a lot less than 20 to get all their stuffed animals right?" specially if we are talking about aiming contests! A lot of those were. But would he cheat like that for a stuffed animal? "But does sound like a good plan. Very well, I will let you indulge me in stuffed animals and beer, and then maybe you will get lucky." silly Oliver, trying to turn the tables on Vanessa.

"You had told me a bit about it." Oliver says with a nod about her focus in security. And he still remembered the locks she had at her place. It was one of the things he hoped he could make her feel. Safe. "And yes, I was aware you got up..." not that he knew the why. It makes him furrow his brows. "You will be safe with me. With us." as if he already considered her part of the family.

"Maybe we should do movie night sometime and you can show me these skills of yours." He suggests.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa Carlysle gasps as Oliver tries to turn the tables on her. "Well, it would be your skill, if not strength, winning them if so," she counters. Vanessa's expression softens a bit as they talk more about her self-security worries. "I know that I am. And honestly it's not been as bad as it normally is. Even just getting out of New Lots helps. Not hearing sirens, and the dealers calling out on the corners and all. But it's kind of dug in deep. So, if it lingers, don't think it has anything to do with how safe you make me feel," she tells him.

The Ferris Wheel continues its turning, bringing them down to the bottom, then slowly working them back upwards again. Oliver's coat is welcome as the breeze is a little cooler way up in the air at the top of the wheel.

"So, you know I can remember a lot of your life, if I go thinking about it," she says. "Which, I've tried not to do. Sometimes I can't help it and a memory or bit of knowledge is just there. Other times, even if I did want to remember something it might slip through my fingers like trying to hold onto water. But, I've had enough things pop, enough about the island, to kind of wonder about it. To want to ask you about it, if you're ok with me knowing," she says, turning her head to look up at Oliver.

Oliver Queen has posed:
"Starling isn't the pot of activity that New York is, for sure." Oliver admits, because even if he loved his city he knew it would take a looong time for it to reach the size of New York. If ever. But then again, he did like quiet. And when it wasn't quiet, he was there to make sure it became quiet again. Merciless! "And I know, Vanessa. Still, you know I am always here when you need." he very well knew that there were things which couldn't be changed just like that. It took time, as everything worth it.

He has had a good look of the view now so Oliver's gaze is now fully down on Vanessa now while they go about on the second time, watching her form, the quiet way she rests against him. He can't help but to smile wider at her, perhaps wondering what he did to find such a gem in the most unexpected of places.

A smile that has the briefest of falters when the island is mentioned. It was deeply inside him, those memories. Those times. Memories he had rarely shared with anyone but their most intimate companions. Be it Diggle, or even Roy or Thea. Even if the latter two had learned of those experiences more due to him trying to impart a lesson than just sharing.

He takes in a breath but then says, "What would you like to know?" his tone more solemn, yet accepting. It was a part of his life that he'd want to share with Vanessa.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
The young woman rests against the man that is a decade older, though his firm, muscled form is one that a twenty-year old could envy. She speaks slowly, and gently, knowing these aren't the easiest memories for Oliver. Knowing for the few that she's had come up in her head whether she wanted them or not. But just enough to hint at what was there.

"I guess... if you don't mind talking about it...maybe start at the beginning?" she asks. "The boat, and... and your father. What happened there, and how did you make it to the island?" she asks him.

Vanessa's hand slides over into Oliver's, lacing fingers and squeezing softly. Letting him know she's there even as she asks him to speak of those traumatic moments from his life. She turns her head, turns her whole body a bit to her side so she's facing Oliver more directly, head on his shoulder but gazing up at his face with those soft, sloe eyes of hers.

Oliver Queen has posed:
The boat..., that.., was certainly one of the worst. Well there had been a lot of bad memories there, a lot of pain. But had they been as powerful as losing his father? It had been his tipping point. But it was also fitting that he started with that. He stays silent for a few moments considering but then he finally starts. "Only three of us were able to save ourselves." he says, "Me, my father and Joey, one of the sailors.."

His lips press together a moment but then he continues. "Out on a lifesaver boat, minimum supplies. No land in sight. We knew we -could- reach land in a matter of days but my father knew the supplies we had wouldn't last until then."

He looks towards the lights down on Coney island again. "So he made a decision..."

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
The sounds of the amusement park filter up to them even at the top of the Ferris Wheel. Organs playing lively tunes, the sounds of laughter from kids on rides. The clatter of a rollercoaster, the wooden beams it is made from intentionally noisy to add to its scare factor. Gulls above the waterline cawing as they ride the wind, soaring with an eye out for food being tossed, or left aside where they can get at it.

All of those other distractions are filtered out of Vanessa's mind though as she's focused on Oliver telling what happened. She's done her best to avoid this memory though she knew it was there, waiting for her to call it up. Probably eventually it would have worked its way up on its own. That seems to be happening more to her.

As Oliver's story continues, Vanessa's face is writ with empathy for him. And his telling draws up the memory finally, filling in the spaces between his words with images, sounds, smells. Even emotions.

As Oliver speaks of his father making a decision, Vanessa gives a sudden start as if she's heard a gunshot. For in a way she has. And tears start to run down her cheeks. "Oliver, I'm so sorry," she tells him, reaching her arms over to hug him tightly.

Oliver Queen has posed:
It's a bittersweet blessing of sorts. Not having to tell her exactly what happened. Vanessa will know. But she will also have the memory. She will have heard the shot, and known what was going through Oliver at that point in time. The clouded thoughts. The tears she sheds are ones that have long dried on him. Shaped him into the man he is today. So he doesn't cry, instead holding Vanessa close. "I am sorry." he also tells her, at having her evoke those memories. But sometimes those are needed, for them to understand each other fully.

He tries his best to focus on those sounds instead of the memories. The gulls, the sound of the ferris wheel. He draws out a breath after a time and says, "Turns out the supplies were just enough for me to get to that island, so I did and ...." he pauses there...

Perhaps it has been too much emotion for one night, he knew this was a tale he'd need to go slow with, for both their sakes. But he certainly welcomed that hug, his own large arm wrapping about Vanessa's slender form. " .. I want us to have fun tonight. This is meant to be a celebration, isn't it?"

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa Carlysle wipes at her eyes and gives a quick nod of her head. "Right, not really the best night for some topics of conversation," she agrees. She hugs him tight though, and even if the first remembering of it was sharp emotionally, and Oliver has had years to dull that, she knows it affected him far more than it did her.

Vanessa clears her throat. "Yes, a celebration," she agrees as they start moving backdown towards the ground. They go slower now, moving and then stopping. Moving and stopping. It's clear the ride is coming to an end and they are pausing to empty the current riders and let new ones in. Soon they'll be the ones being let out onto the ground.

"So, shall we challenge some of these carnival games?" she asks him, a bit of brightness coming back to her expression as she makes herself push those memories down and focus on the present.

Oliver Queen has posed:
"I don't think there will ever be a best night for it but ..., I am willing to share." Oliver says, as if telling that there really isn't much he won't be wanting to share and have Vanessa know about. No matter the pain of those memories. Yet it is said those are the best ways of knowing someone, learning their past. What shaped them into what they are today. And he has his own questions too.

"You have yet to tell me much about your past too." This said while they are walking out, towards the carnival games. "And no, not looking for the bad memories. How about something happy? Something that made you smile. Can be as simple as you want."

His arm continues loosely about Vanessa while they walk, their pace slow, no hurry to get anywhere, just the two of them tonight. They are soon coming across a tent where people can try their luck hitting some targets with darts. Supposedly hard considering how blunt those damn darts are! But the prizes are, of course, large stuffed teddys and other assorted animals.

"Shall we try this one? But no cheating.." he tells her with a knowing grin.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa vacates the basket with Oliver once they are down to the ground level. She moves readily into that arm of his that slips about her. "Well, you deserve to hear all of it. Though it's not exactly an uplifting topic for making into an After School Special," she says of the old feel-good movies they used to show in the afternoons when kids would get home from school.

"A good memory though. Well, our apartment building is in pretty bad shape. The super avoids spending any money on repairs he doesn't have to. And frankly I think he'd rather everyone move out so he could do something else with the land. Or the owner wishes, anyway," Vanessa says as they walk over to the tent. "So, an elderly lady who lives upstairs, she fell through a stair in the stairwell. Broke right through the board, her leg stuck in it. It was... ah, not a good visual. Afraid to pull her out because the wood went into her leg and... just, it could have been life-threatening. So, long story short, ambulance takes forever. But this guy who was passing by heard about it from someone waiting for the ambulance. And he had medical training, and healing powers. And he came up and he healed her. Think she wouldn't have made it without him," she tells Oliver.

She walks over with him to the dart game. "Looks promising," she agrees. "Win me a big soft teddy bear?" she asks, smiling to him. "It's your skill after all," she says.

Oliver Queen has posed:
That instant manner in which Oliver grimaces is very telling on the mental picture he is getting now, of the poor lady with her leg in. But he is also surprised. Sure, he isn't those kinds of billionaires that don't know what poverty is, or fishy owners. But there is always something that just appears surreal to him about the whole situation. Blame it on never actually having lived on an apartment, but only on a mansion. And well, an island, and some trips over a few asian countries while on it.. But that would be a story for another time...

"That sounds like it was very good timing from that man. And healing powers you say?" he nods his head, approvingly. That's the type of power he can get behind. "Next time we will get something out of your childhood instead." he grinning at her, but now it was time to win some teddies.

"I thought you were going to win me one.." He arches a brow. "Because I always wanted a teddy of my size in my bedroom.." is he joking? But then he starts talking to the man tending the fair. Five bucks and he can go for the big one? Fine by him! Of course that these are moving targets, and he does put them moving rather quickly on that roller. "How about we throw it one each? And then we decide on the third dart." he picks the three darts up, offering one to Vanessa.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa moves over beside Oliver as he's paying for the game. "Yes, great timing. And he didn't stop there either. When he saw the state of the place... well you saw my apartment. Back then, I had a hole in the wall a yard across where the super's plumber got at the pipes and never fixed it. Had a flag hanging over it to hide it. And the plumbing still didn't work. And the paint was peeling off in some places. And... well... so a few days later, this contractor shows up at my door. We're always kind of wary of the super's workers. But it was the this guy. He'd hired him to come fix all the problems in my place," Vanessa tells Oliver.

She gets a soft smile in memory and says, "You know he didn't even hit on me. Had a girlfriend. Didn't help out for any gain of his own. Just... did it. Was kind of a nice change from what life in New Lots is normally like" she says.

Vanessa eyes the dart and nods. "Alright, though I was going to let you be the big strong man earning his girl the price," she says playfully, running a hand over Oliver's arm. "You know me. I'm a sucker for old fashioned," she says with a laugh.

Oliver Queen has posed:
"A good man." Oliver says while Vanessa tells of that mysterious stranger who helped out both the lady upstairs and then further on with her apartment. "There are still people out there who are good by nature. Those are the real heroes I feel. Helping. No strings attached." yes, he can respect that. He did it often but quite often there were motives for such, and he had always been more the crime fighter than the 'helping' hand. But well, he wasn't a man with only one side to him.

"The problem is my throwing arm isn't that far off from what I do with that bow so ..." as if saying this isn't too much of a challenge. Or at least he thinks not. And is he bragging? Tsk..., though he seems to be doing in a good-natured manner, very self-aware.

He watches the sequence then, taking it to memory, watching the targets moving and then he closes his eyes, taking in a breather, focusing... Very zen.. Of course that he is also putting himself very prone to distraction in case it is forthcoming.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa is surprised when Oliver closes his eyes. She still is gradually exploring the different skills and memories that she seems to have picked up from him, and this is something new that hasn't shown itself in any of her memories. His memories. It gets confusing sometimes.

Vanessa doesn't interrupt him though, just crosses her arms, smiling as she watches. The carnie running the game, meanwhile, takes advantage of Oliver's eyes being closed to cast Vanessa a rolling-eyed grin. As if providing commentary about Oliver trying to show off for her, and no doubt thinking that he's going to miss everything by a big margin.

The targets move across the back of the booth, the darts just sharp enough to go in if someone throws them hard. Hard enough for most it would harm their accuracy.

Oliver Queen has posed:
Maybe Ollie will hit the carnie! Well, certainly not... But without that distraction coming there isn't much in the way of him hitting. He knows the weigh of these darts, has checked those more blunt tips. He throws it with just enough force.. And sure, no bullseye, in fact it almost missing out on the target completely. But what's true is that it does hit. At least the first dart.

"Oh, look at that. Beginner's luck.." Well, in truth he was showing off a little, he wasn't actually fully sure he would hit. But here we are.

He takes a step back, "Shall I go for all three or do you want to have a shot?" he then asks Vanessa, flipping the dart in his hand.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa moves over behind Oliver and says, "Why don't you keep going?" she suggests. Her hands move to both of his shoulders, giving them a little rub. The young woman leans in against Oliver from behind, letting him feel her there gently pressed up behind him.

"Might as well finish it the way you started," she says with a grin, and then reaches up from behind to gently cover up both of Oliver's eyes with her hands. She does it slow enough he'll have a chance to look at the targets, but only briefly, before she's covering up his eyes.

"There might be a bonus in it for you if you pull this off," Vanessa tells him. The carnie raises an eyebrow as he looks over at her. "Not from yoU!" she tells the man with a laugh. "Ok Oliver, go for it," she says, leaning close enough he can feel her breath on the back of his neck.

Oliver Queen has posed:
"Fine enough." Oliver tells Vanessa when she starts to move behind him. Yes, he's feeling confident. And mmm, a shoulder massage, that -is- relaxing. Gets him more into that zen too, even if Vanessa's presence can be rather distracting right there behind him. But he has trained for a long time to block out all distractions, right? One of those mottos 'I never miss' being very appropriate. Or is it?

Those hands that cover his eyes come as a surprise. Only another moment to look at the targets. But then he focuses, taking in a deep breath.

That exchange between the carnie and Vanessa makes him laugh. Gods, how he loved how easy it was to be around her. The hand goes back, ready. "I never miss, Vanessa." but then he feels that breath on the back of his neck. Enough to send a shudder down his spine. The toss comes out.. So close! It still hits the target but doesn't sink in or takes it down, hitting it on the edge..

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
"Not even when distracted?" she murmurs, and Oliver will be able to picture exactly which smile she has on her face as she says it. She isn't particularly overt about resting against him from behind, it is a family sort of place after all. But Oliver will find those distractions of hers readily enough just the same.

Vanessa rests her head on Oliver's shoulder as she moves her hands aside so he can see the result of the throw. "Hmmm..." she says, near to his ear. "So where does he stand?" she asks the carnie, not having really looked at the rules of the game very closely yet, having been distracted with telling her tale from her days in the project slums. "Can he win the big bear?" she asks.

Oliver Queen has posed:
The carnie may be here to get some money, but it's the first time he has someone there trying to take it with his eyes close. The hit was real close, and it hit the target. It makes the man scrunch his nose. And Vanessa is also being nice enough. In the end charm wins out. "Tell you what ... Actually hit another one with those eyes close and why not..? But this time on the damn center!" he shakes a fist but he is being good-natured about it. "If you miss, put in another five for me?" win-win for him anyway. Yes, he's pretty sure it won't happen.

Oliver opens his eyes to look at the targets. Well, he missed. But it's hard to block out the kind of distractions that Vanessa can bring up. "You are on." Oliver immediately says, no challenge going unanswered. He casts a look over a shoulder to Vanessa, quirking a brow. "How hard are you going to make this be for me?" he then asks her, laughing.

But soon enough he is getting ready with that last dart...

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa casts a charming smile over to the carnie. "Deal," she agrees after Oliver takes it. "Are you kidding? With an extra $5 on the line? Do you know what you can buy with $5?" she tells him.

Vanessa fishes in her pocket and pulls out a headband. "Here we go," she sayas, putting it around Oliver's head and moving it down to cover up Oliver's eyes. "This work?" she asks the carnie. He walks over to check it out. "Ok, that'll work," he agrees.

Vanessa lifts it back up to let Oliver see the targets and pull the blinder back down again when he's ready. "Win me a big big old teddy!" she tells him, giving Oliver's back a little brush of her fingers before stepping away to let him throw the dart in piece.

The carnie moves over and adjust a switch, subtly speeding up the movements of the targets further.

Oliver Queen has posed:
Easy money. The carnie is mostly sure of the miss, specially after he employs his secret weapon, speeding up the movements of the targets. Nope, no way. And he knows how these folks are. They will pay up to play again believing they can win. It also makes the man consider he needs to blunt those damn darts a bit more. Or maybe the targets need to be a little harder. Mmmm, yes. A mix of both! But he can't help being curious too about this duo. Could they win it off? Would be a story to tell either way..

And while the carnie continues with his dreams of domination here in the fair Oliver focuses. A blindfold, fine enough. He looks at the targets one last time and then he is sight is fully gone. Not his other senses though. He can still scent Vanessa's passage, her perfume, turning his head to the side a little. His ears pick up that switch up. Faster targets? Or slower?

He stays put for a time, picking up just the sounds of the machine. Faster. And he knows there is a lot on the line. First, those 5 bucks. Second, he can't miss twice in a row. And third, there was this apparent promise from Vanessa. Yes, that's the important one. So he lets the dart fly, hitting one of the targets squarely.

There! Now give the man his teddy! "So, did we win?" he then asks.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Even if Oliver hadn't felt it from the throw, Vanessa's clap and the carnie's groan would give eve a sightless person an idea of what the result was. "We'll take the big light brown one," she says in a gleeful voice, moving over to slide the headband off Oliver's head, and give him a quick peck on the lips for good measure while the carnie is retrieving the enormous bear from where it hangs from the ceiling.

"I never doubted you," Vanessa says with a smile for Oliver, one that expresses more emotions than just happiness at him having won. "You asked about good memories. Ones that make me smile? I've had a lot of those since I met you, Oliver," she tells him. She leans up for another, slightly longer kiss before letting their lips part so they can turn to retrieve Oliver's prize.