Chapter Text
Laurel is pleasantly surprised when she gets an email from Mari. She’s heard about her from Oliver who was surprisingly complementary about her. Maybe Oliver’s finally growing up. She already feels a certain amount of connection with Mari, what with being female superheroes. She is slightly surprised when Mari’s email is about her day job. She has some legal questions. It’s nothing too big, and Laurel is able to help her go in the right direction, considering that Laurel doesn’t know Michigan legislation in-depth. But that email is the start of a beautiful relationship.
They quickly find that they get along great, so when Mari needs help dealing with Eshu, she’s happy to go help her friend. Staying with Mari in Detroit ends up being mostly enjoyable, and it’s the closest thing she’s had to a vacation in years. Getting to kick ass with friends is just a bonus.
After their shared adventure, they continue writing to and chatting with each other. It really is a nice way to get to know somebody. They talk about superheroing, their favorite pizza toppings (Laurel is pro-pineapple, Mari is slightly against “Fruit does not belong on a pizza, Laurel!” but Mari has promised to try it with Laurel later); their favorite books and TV shows and guilty pleasures.
Mari talks about fashion with such a passion, that it makes Laurel pay a little bit more attention to her wardrobe. She likes shopping and nice clothes, but Sara was usually more into the fashion aspect. Laurel shares the DA office gossip which amuses Mari a lot. Sometimes they talk about their issues with their fathers. Their mothers’ come up less, but occasionally they make an appearance. Laurel talks about Thea and Sara frequently and Mari confesses that sometimes she kinda misses her sister Kuasa, or at least the potential relationship they could have had.
***
They get to know each other so well over a couple of months, Laurel feels open enough to confess that sometimes she’s lonely. She’s happy for her friends and family for finding love, and it’s not like she’s been actively really looking… She’s happy that she came out to Mari about being demisexual in one of her emails, because it really helps to talk about these things to someone. Because sometimes when you’re demisexual, you don’t always really think about what you might be missing. But still, sometimes... it gets to you.
One night when they are Whatsapping, the unexpected happens.
Mari: I get that feeling.
Mari: You know, it’s kinda peaceful here right now. I could fly to you. To visit. :)
Laurel: LOL. Are you talking about taking a plane here? Or actually, literally flying here?
Mari: You gotta admit, it would be cheaper. And no TSA!
Laurel: That’s true.
Laurel: It would be really nice to see you again.
Before continuing, Laurel takes a few seconds to get the courage to admit her feelings.
Laurel: I like you.
Laurel: Really.
Laurel: A lot.
Laurel waits nervously for Mari’s reply. She takes a drink of her coke before getting off her couch to pace a little. Mari was very supporting of her coming out, but except for a few, possibly throwaway, comments about girls, Laurel doesn’t really know how Mari identifies. She knows there are also romantic orientations, but she never really looked into them much. She loved Oliver, and Tommy in a way. Those have pretty much been her only experiences with attraction, so figuring it out never seemed a pressing concern. But now she thinks she really does like Mari in the way she liked Oliver. But that’s not important right now. Mari’s reply is. Her phone peeps and she sits down on her couch, takes a breath, and read the message.
Mari: Me too.
Mari: I’m kinda wondering if you like me-? The way I like you?
Laurel: Yeah.
Mari: Really? For real?
Laurel: I’m attracted to you Mari.
Laurel: It’s… kinda complicated for me but…
Laurel: I am.
Mari: So…
Mari: We should definitely meet again.
Laurel: Soon.
Laurel: :)
Mari: :)
***
Unfortunately, they do not have time to set up a meeting before Oliver needs Mari to come help with William’s kidnapping. After the saving is done, Mari and Laurel stay back at the lair while Oliver and Thea go return William to Samantha at the police station.
Mari sees Laurel looking somewhat sad and wistfully at them. They haven’t had time to really connect, saving William has been more important. Laurel sits at the stairs, and Mari comes to sit by her.
“Hey, you OK?”
“Yeah. I just…” Laurel sighs briefly before continuing, ”I just needed a moment.”
“Of course.” Mari is not quite sure how to feel. Laurel has talked about her relationship with Oliver a lot, and she wants to be supportive. But she is wondering what this means for them. If there will be a them.
Laurel sighs again and then turns to face Mari.
“It’s weird, even though those feelings aren’t there anymore, it still hurts.”
“Was he with you when…”
“Yeah.”
Mari is unsure what to say for a moment. These things are complicated. “I’m sorry. For what that’s worth.”
Laurel smiles sadly at Mari, before turning to stare straight ahead at the wall while she explains.
“Our relationship was… it was complicated. And painful but sometimes also lovely. I don’t think I regret it overall.” She looks thoughtful for a moment, before turning to Mari, and this time there is happiness in her smile.
“But it’s time for me to move on. Truly move on.”
Mari can’t help but return her smile, but she wants them to truly be on the same page about everything.
“You’ve known him a long time. It makes sense it would still hurt. I understand if you need some more time to…” But Laurel interrupts her.
“No. We’re over. History.” Laurel takes Mari’s hand.“I want to know what we could be.”
Mari smiles widely. It’s not really the right time, but she gives Laurel a quick kiss on the cheek. Laurel returns Mari’s smile. They will find the right pace for their relationship.
***
When Mari is done with her heart to heart with Oliver, she finds Laurel waiting for her.
“It’s pretty late. Wanna crash at my place tonight? It’s only fair since I stayed at your place in Detroit.”
“It does seem fair,” Mari jokes back at her.
They start walking together in the surprisingly empty and quiet city towards Laurel’s place when it seems they both get the same idea and stop and turn towards each other. They share a smile and then they are kissing. The kiss is brief but wonderful. They both have goofy, happy smiles on their faces afterwards. They continue walking to Laurel’s place. They’re holding hands. They’re superheroes, who’s gonna stop them?