Chapter Text
April 3, 2019
Dear Nora,
Is it weird that I started the letter with “dear”? I mean, I know that that’s common letter writing courtesy but I always feel weird doing it when I actually think about how the word “dear” works now. Whatever, it’s probably fine. I mean, it’s not like I put darling or even dearest or something.
How are things? Prison must be interesting. Mona said she’s been bringing you Rebecca Silver novels. I never took you as an avid reader until I heard you were one, and then it totally made sense. Things on the Waverider are pretty good... well, as good as they can be. John’s struggling with demons and Sara’s struggling with her romantic life and I miss the heck out of Nate. If he comes and visits, tell him I say hi? Or maybe that would be weird, since he only kind of knows that we know each other.
I decided not to shrink myself down into this letter. Sorry if it was super weird last time. Though I guess it ended up being useful! Everything happens for a reason, right?
Well anyway, write back if you want to. We could be pen pals! That’d be fun. I’m not sure how mail really works on the Waverider... maybe Mona could bring me letters from you, and then deliver letters from me. I bet she’d be super down for it! She loves romance. Not that this is romance, or anything. I mean, if you want it to be, it can be. But only if you want it to be. And that’s not saying I want it to be I just want to.... keep our options open, you know?
I’m sure by this point, if we were face to face, you’d be interrupting me so I’m going to shut up. I hope to see you soon (though to be honest I don’t know how that’s going to happen).
Fondly,
Ray Palmer
April 5, 2019
Ray,
You have no idea how stupid I feel writing this letter. I literally had to ask Mona to bring me paper because she managed to forget that I’d need some to give you a response. Please don’t fangirl too much when you see that I’ve written back... We’re not going to be pen pals or anything stupid like that, I’m just bored. Single cell isolation sucks.
But hey, I’m not going to complain. Okay I was kind of complaining up there but point being, I did this to myself. I guess that, while you gave me a second chance, I wasn’t willing to give myself one. I think turning over a new leaf comes sometimes after taking responsibility for the old leaf. Sorry, I’m no good at poetry; that was a lame continuation of the better-your-life and turn-over-a-new-leaf parallel.
Things are fine. I’m stuck in jail. And before you get your hopes up about the Rebecca Silver thing, I’m not a total bookworm. Again... bored out of my mind. Also Rebecca Silver just kind of hooks you, you know? It also puts ideas in my head that probably shouldn’t be there while I’m in mostly-solitary confinement, but whatever. I’m sorry you miss Nate. I’ll tell Mona to tell him, if it makes you feel any better. I don’t think he likes me very much to be honest.
The shrink down was fine, whatever. Though I can’t see Ava choosing to overlook it a second time. She doesn’t really seem like the type to let things slide for “romance”, as you put it. Poor Sara haha. Mona, on the other hand.... well, if you wanted to send me a knife so we could both kill ourselves simultaneously so we could be together, I’m sure she would comply. Not that I’m saying we should do that. It was just an example.
Don’t be stupid, I wouldn’t interrupt you. Okay never mind I probably would. But sometimes you need to be interrupted for your own good.
Alright, Rebecca Silver is calling me. I miss you, I guess. Write back soon if you want to.
- Nora
p.s: I don’t think that the dear is weird.
April 12, 2019
Dear Nora,
Sorry for the late reply! We had to stop another Magical Creature. This one was a werewolf! I almost got bit. It was super cool!
Aw Nora, you’ll get out of there someday. I mean maybe. Well, you might have to break out. But hopefully, together, we can get people to forgive you! I know if they could just see things the way I see them, they’d release you in an instant. I mean, you were being controlled by a demon. That’s like pleading insanity in court, right? Except even better because your insanity is gone now.
I’ve read some Rebecca Silver. Random pages of books are left on the kitchen table sometimes, which is kind of weird. Who rips a page out of a book and just reads that one page? Super odd, right? I know Zari is kinda into her. I think it’s super mysterious that no one has ever actually seen her face. She’s never gone to book signings or anything. But hey, I guess publicity isn’t everyone’s thing.
Yeah, Ava is kind of a stickler for rules, huh? You know, I had the weirdest dream about her the other night- Nothing like dirty weird, I swear. That came out wrong. She and Sara were getting married and I was the maid of honor which was an interesting choice, and Ava came out of her dressing room in a mustache! I’m kind of glad it was just a dream. I have a hard time telling people that their fashion choices look bad.
Whoooa, hey! No talking about killing yourself. I would lose my not-pen-pal! No one even likes Romeo and Juliet, anyway.
Hey, it’s fine! People can interrupt me all they want. Just as long as they listen when it’s actually important.
Awwww, you miss me? That’s so sweet! And if any girls who happened to be looking over my shoulder when I happened to open up your letter saw that and read it, they totally awwwed along with me. Just saying. Oh also- I’m sure that Nate likes you! If I like you he has to like you, that’s how being Time Bros works.
Fondly,
Ray
April 14, 2019
Ray,
Replying seven days after I write my letter isn’t late, you doofus. You actually have a life, unlike me. My life currently consists of eating, trying to get abs (it’s going badly), reading steamy romance novels, and having a pen pal. Yes, I admitted that you’re my pen pal whoo hoo jump and cheer yay. That was sarcasm, in case it didn’t read well.
Good grief, are you okay?! Getting bitten by a werewolf isn’t a good thing for anyone, and it’s certainly not cool.
Ray, if people saw the world the way you see the world, it would be a much better place. I think that most people would agree about that. Also, I don’t think pleading “demon” in court would go over very well, but I’m liking this insanity plug. I guess we’ll try it at my next trail which is... oh wait never because the Time Bureau basically exists outside of the law.
Yes that is very weird. I think you need to talk to your team about respecting books a bit more, just saying. And yeah, Rebecca is certainly an enigma. I bet Gideon knows who she is. Maybe you should do some digging?
Wow, yeah, that is even weirder than your teams reading-methods. Ava wearing a mustache? Hahahaha I would pay to see that. In all honesty I kind of have a thing for mustaches- on guys! Only on guys. Girls with mustaches... yeah, I’m not into it. Also, are you hinting that my fashion choices are bad? If you are I don’t care, I’m just wondering.
I told you I wasn’t going to kill myself! It was just an example. And yes, Romeo and Juliet was stupid. They had some Shakespeare books at the mental institute I was in as a kid, and when I wasn’t having an episode I would read them. I liked Hamlet a lot. I guess it was kind of relatable. My ten year old self read it like four times.
Huh, I just remembered that I actually knew you when I was little. That’s so weird. You brought me to Jitters, right? That’s one of the first good memories I have. Thanks, I guess.
Hey! No showing my letters to people! Reading other people’s letters is a federal offense. I could report your friends (or have Mona report your friends because at this point I don’t think my word is very credible).
- Nora
April 19, 2019
Dear Nora,
Yes, but you reply the day you get the letter! And I take like 5 days. I just feel guilty.
Well look at that! It’s like you care or something ;) Nah, I’m totally good though. And even when bad things do happen, Gideon is there to patch us all up! But concern is a nice shade on you.
Aw, that’s sweet. Yeah, I don’t think that the modern court really understands demons. I think Sara Lance would make a good lawyer. She’d just scare the jury into doing what she wanted heh heh. Hey, if you ever need a lawyer, let me know! My friend Oliver’s friend Barry’s father-in-law/adoptive father’s (I know, it’s weird, but for whatever reason nobody talks about it) girlfriend is a super good defense lawyer. So give a shout if you want me to put in a good word for you.
Nooo I like your style! That’s not what I meant at all. You’re super cute. Especially in that medieval costume. Not that you picked that out, you just looked good in it. I mean, you look good in everything. Objectively speaking, you are very attractive.
So... I have a tiny little confession to make. After reading that you like mustaches I had Gideon stimulate the hair follicles on my upper lip to make them grow faster. I grew a mustache overnight... but it’s gone now. I don’t think that anyone thought it looked very good. (Actually, funny story: right when I tried to shave the mustache off the power in the ship went out because Mike the Spike in puppet form was wrecking havoc on the Waverider! I had to do the whole end-battle scene in only half a mustache. That’s when I knew it was the right choice to shave it off for good heh heh)
See, I knew you were a bookworm! Only a bookworm would choose to read Shakespeare at age ten. I personally always liked a Merchant in Venice.... I love stories that tie up in a bow at the end. Especially when there are four characters, and two of them end up together, and the other two end up together. Taming of the Shrew was fun, too. There’s a movie based off of that... 10 Things I Hate About You. Sounds like something you’d like, huh?
Yeah, I remember that afternoon at Jitters! That was fun! Well, before your demon tried to take you over and you broke some tables and then your dad showed up and you abandoned us. But it’s cool! All forgiven.
I’m sorry!!! I will keep your letters very secretive from now on, I promise. The people here are just nosy. I kind of doubt you have to deal with that.
Fondly (should I change this up?),
Ray
April 24, 2019
Ray,
Was that better? I didn’t reply for a full four days (I know date wise it’s five days but I get the letters generally a day or two after you write them)
Shut up, of course I care. If I didn’t care do you think I’d be here right now? Do you know how much trouble you’d get in if the Bureau knew you knew where I was and you weren’t telling anyone? I mean, not that I did this all for you. I did it for me, too. But still. Also, what makes concern a shade, not a color? That’s stupid.
Thanks, I’ll let you know. Again... I don’t think I’m going to be getting much of a trail. Ever.
Objectively speaking, I’m attractive? Jee Ray, you really know how to flatter a girl. Kidding, kidding..... thanks. Clothes haven’t exactly been my highest priority, considering that I’m in prison. But it’s nice to hear anyway.
Oh God- I wasn’t saying you would look attractive in a mustache! Good grief. I just think they’re attractive, occasionally, but only on the right faces. But please tell me you took at least one picture that you can insert into your next letter because I really need to see this mustache now.
Umm... Mike the Spike? Wasn’t he a serial killer? Explain.
I’m not a bookworm!! Again, I was just bored. Books are basically the only option when you’re stuck in cells and hospital rooms and have no phones or a TV or anyone to talk to. For whatever reason, people think that books are just harmless. I know from experience that they can actually do some damage.... but that’s a story you probably don’t want to hear.
10 Things I Hate About You, huh? Haha, sounds like an autobiography. Well maybe you can come over and we can watch a movie together. Oh wait! I’m still in prison. And I don’t have a TV.
Jeez, way to kill the moment. Admittedly that wasn’t my finest hour, but I was like 13. Ha, you were cute even then. Not that you’re cute now. Or that I think you’re cute. Just, you know. Objectively speaking.
It’s fine, it’s fine. Maybe reading my letters will make your team hate me less. Worth a try, right?
- Nora
April 29, 2019
Dear Nora,
Oh phew, you were not replying on purpose. Honestly every time I don’t hear from you I think that Hank’s men have gotten to you and that you’re in danger. Don’t get yourself kidnapped, okay? Because then I’ll have to come rescue you, which would be great for me but I can’t see you liking it very much.
Wait, you got yourself arrested for me? Nora.... you really didn’t have to do that. I’ve basically been on the run on and off for four years. This is the most tied to the government I’ve been since I joined the Legends... so if you ever need a prison breakout, just let me know heh heh. I wouldn’t say I’m willing to go to jail for you (last time that happened I got beaten within an inch of my life but ah well), but I’d be willing to risk it!
I’m sorry! I didn’t want to make it weird. I probably made it weirder with the whole “objectively” thing. In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m not great at this whole flirting thing. Not that that was flirting. Not that we’re flirting.
Oops. Well, it’s done now and here is the photographic proof (it’s taped to the back of this letter). It will serve as a reminder of a facial hair choice I will never make again. Oh and yeah, we fought Mike the Spike. Well really, it was his angry spirit that was inhabiting a bunch of dolls. It found a puppet that Leo had used for therapy after Dr. Stein died, and so Marty was back and walking around. Kinda creepy. Actually, this entire year has been kinda creepy. Almost makes me wish for the good old days when we were battling Vandal Savage and legitimate historical threats, instead of magical creatures. But I’ll take whatever life throws at us!
Two exclamation points, I must have hit a nerve ;) Yeah, I think I’d rather not hear the story about you bashing someone’s brains in with a book. Especially because then the letter would become incriminating of your past wrongdoings and I’d have to eat it to dispose of the evidence. Honestly, I’ve always wanted to try that, but I’ve been keeping all your letters in a folder so I don’t want to miss one! Do you eat my letters or do you keep them around?
Hey, remember that I have atom tech at my disposal. I could easily shrink down a TV. The problem would be getting you something to unshrink it..... I’ll keep thinking it over.
Aw, I’m blushing. Your 13 year old self had a crush on me? That’d be one heck of a story to tell our kids (...not that we’ll be having any kids anytime soon. Sorry that was mega awkward maybe just don’t reply to that part).
They’re not allowed to hate you! Well, even if they do, they’re not allowed to talk about it around me.
Fondly,
Ray
May 1, 2019
Ray,
Look at that, we’ve made it to another month. Congrats to us. I think this is some sort of pen pal milestone, wouldn’t you say? We should throw a party (sarcasm included).
Jeez, no I’m not kidnapped. I promise if anyone tries to ambush me I’ll take them out. And then maybe I’ll come find the Waverider. Do you think your team would let me travel with them for a bit? Not that I want to be apart of a stupid team or a family or anything, just because I think I could be helpful. Also it’d be nice to stretch my legs and get some action.
No, of course I didn’t get myself arrested for you! And that’s very kind of you but... I’m not going to get you arrested, Ray. I couldn’t handle being responsible for someone like that. Also- when the heck were you beaten within an inch of your life and who do I need to kill?!
Aren’t we thought? Flirting, I mean ;) (also I swear if you say a word about that winky face I won’t reply for two weeks)
HAHAHA that picture is priceless. I am asking Mona for tape so I can put it up on my dresser. Ray, never ever grow a mustache, ever again. It kind of looks like a furry brown caterpillar crawled up onto your lip and decided to make it’s home there. Ah man that’s the best laugh I’ve had in weeks. Thanks for that.
I don’t like the sound of you fighting creepy dolls with the angry spirits of serial killers resting inside of them (just gonna ignore the whole confusing bit about Leo and Marty.. who the heck are they? Actually, don’t answer that). You Legends are capable, but I think I’ll rest a whole lot easier when you are back to fighting normal human beings. I wish I could get out of here and help you all. When I hear about everything you’re doing I feel kind of useless. That’s not me telling you to stop- I like hearing the stories. Sometimes I just wish I could get out of here, at least until your fight is over.
Don’t be ridiculous- you did not hit a nerve. You don’t have that kind of power over me. I used to exclamation points to show vehemence, that was all. Yeah, things that tie up in a nice little bow are, well, nice. But I don’t think that happens in real life Ray. Stories end. Real life doesn’t.
Ummm... are my only two options to eat the letter or keep it? Ever heard of a trash can? Not saying I’m throwing your letters away... I’m currently keeping them in a drawer. Just in case I don’t have a book or something and I’m bored at some point. It’s good to have a plan for those moments. But hey, if you want to eat my letters to knock something off of your bucket list than I would be honored to be apart of it.
Yeah, because I’m sure that no one would notice me pulling an entire miniaturized television out of your letter and unshrinking it. That being said... there are quite a few shows that I still wanted to watch. I guess I’ll never get the chance now. Does thinking about the future ever depress you? It just goes on forever and ever, day after day, until you die. At least for you you’ve got stuff to look forward to, like getting married and retiring, or even just future legend missions. I think that worst part about prison is knowing that it’s probably forever.
I never said I had a crush on you! My 13 year old self would be murdering me right now haha. You were just.... kind. And cute. Also.... kids, huh?
- Nora
May 11, 2019
Dear Nora,
Yay!!! An entire month. That’s a big deal! Sorry this is coming so late- we’ve been stuck in the 1400s for awhile and Mona hasn’t been able to reach me with your letter. Hopefully all is still well with you, even after 10 days.
My bad. It’s kind of hard for me to not worry about you, you know? I mean, I have no way of knowing if you’re alright unless Mona tells me or I get a letter. For that matter... for all I know Mona is in cahoots with Hank and she’s forging your letters and delivering them to me and you’re secretly locked up or dead or-
Yeah, I’m not going to think about that. I wish you could be on the Waverider too, by the way! It’d be nice to have someone. I mean, Charlie and John are buddies, Sara has Ava sometimes, Zari has been spending time with Nate and Mick’s been locking himself in his room more and more frequently. It’d be so fun you have to you board. We could have pizza parties and watch movies and... sorry. I guess it’s not fair for me to be dreaming about something you could never have. That was cruel. But it’d still be nice.
Oh okay, good. I was a little concerned. I mean, I guess there are worse reasons but... then I’d feel responsible for you and that’s not good. Ohhh so funny story, the jail thing: Mick and I got locked in prison on a mission back in year one with the Legends, and I told some big guys off for being rude when we were all outside having lunch, and then they beat me up. I think the guards placed bets on whether I lived or died, heh! I mean, it was also a Russian Gulag so that automatically makes it like 5 times worse.
Not a word about the winky face. Not a single word :D :D :D
I’m glad I could make you laugh so much. I’d like to be able to do that a lot, if I can.
Oh, Vandal Savage wasn’t normal at all. No- he was an immortal being who was locked in a vicious loop with two other immortal beings, where he would find them in every new life and kill them over and over again. One of them, Kendra, was on the Waverider with us for awhile. She and I got stuck in a time zone together for two years, and then we got engaged! But the other immortal being that she kept getting killed with was her soulmate, so she ended up choosing him. I was sad for a bit, but that was awhile ago and I’ve moved passed it. Have you ever had a serious relationship before?
Well I mean.... real life does end. When people die. But I get what you mean.
Heh, my only two options are to keep the letters or to eat them, but that’s just because my team is crazy nosy. If I threw them away I would probably have to pulverize them to avoid people taking them out of the trash and reading them haha.
I like thinking about the future! But yeah, I guess you’re right. When you’re in prison things can get kind of monotonous. I would assume anyway; can’t say I’ve been there myself. But hey, there’s always something to live for! Maybe I can convince Ava (or get Sara to convince Ava) to put in some visiting hours for good behavior so that I could come visit, in person! I’ll talk to Sara tonight and plant the seed.
Hey, I’ll take it! You’re kind and cute too, when you’re not being all dangerous and uhh still totally attractive. Also I said no comment about the kids thing!!
Affectionately,
Ray
May 13, 2019
Ray,
Well, I haven’t died, so I guess that’s good, right? Haha, sorry, I shouldn’t joke about that I know that worries you. Well guess what? When I don’t hear from you I worry, too. At least you could have Gideon find a way to hack security footage or something, if your really that desperate to check on me. All I’ve got is Mona three times a day, and people don’t tell her very much. But it’s fine- don’t worry about the late reply. If you’re not responding, I’ll just assume that you’re doing your job and being a Legend.
Hey, don’t freak yourself out too much. Contrary to no one’s belief, I can actually handle myself. Quite well, actually Hank’s men wouldn’t stand a chance, okay? In fact, let’s hope they do attack, because then I’ll have an excuse to get out of here, at least for a couple of days.
Sorry you’re lonely. I guess the problem with everyone pairing up is that if you don’t, you’re left alone. Sometimes it feels like people always have someone they’d pick over you. Well, if it makes you feel any better, you’d be my first choice every time. (Unless my dad came back to life again of course. Family comes first, even if they’re jerks)
I could go for some pizza. Mona actually has some good food choices, though she always forgets that I don’t like tomato in my burger. I guess she’s more focused on her not-human magical clients.
How the heck was that a funny story, Ray?! You getting almost killed in a Russian Gulag could not possibly be funny in any way or in any sense of the word. We’re you alone? I swear- if your teammates just left you to rot in there than we will never see eye to eye. Not that there’s a big chance of that anyway at the moment, but still.
You do realize that by saying you wouldn’t say a word about the winky face you were actually saying quite a few words?
Well then, I guess you’d better grow some more facial hair.
Wow, you were engaged? I never knew. Granted, I don’t know all that much about you so I suppose that it’s not so off that I didn’t know, but still.... getting engaged is big. I’ve never had a boyfriend. I had a few hookups for time to time when my dad and I were working together and he wasn’t breathing down my neck, but nothing serious. Nothing that lasted. I’d say “nothing like this”, but I doubt that anyone else in the 21st century has a pen pal. Honestly, I wouldn’t not recommend it. That’s not to say I would recommend it... but I wouldn’t not.
I think I’m going to look back on that paragraph every time I start wishing that I was with your Team. Nosiness bothers me very much.
Don’t worry about it too much. Ava loves Sara, but she doesn’t listen to her on professional stuff very much, or so I’ve heard from Mona. I think they’re struggling to keep the work/professional balance at the moment. I wonder how long they’ll last? I personally believe that superhero relationships are doomed to fail. There’s too much at stake all the time and everyone’s so noble and self sacrificing. That’s why I’m not a superhero... well that, and my track record. And that I don’t think I’d be very good at it.
Ha, thanks. I don’t know if anyone’s ever called me kind before. Don’t tell anyone; don’t wanna ruin my street cred haha.
- Nora
P.s: Hey, you changed from “fondly” to “affectionately”. New month, new closing?
May 18, 2019
Dear Nora,
We’re kind of a mess, aren’t we? It’s too bad that we live in a world where only being able to communicate by sporadic letters means that we’re worried all the time.
‘Contrary to no one’s belief’ heh I liked that. Yeah, everyone knows very well how capable you are. Doesn’t mean I’m not going to worry about you. I mean, anyone can be taken by surprised or ambushed. I had a nightmare about it the other night and.... to be honest I almost broke into the Time Bureau to check on you. But I didn’t. You probably would have gotten mad at me. I’m just glad I got the letter later that day or I probably would have been a mess.
Wow, that’s probably the sweetest thing anyone’s ever said to me. It’s definitely the sweetest thing you’ve said to me. I think you’d be pretty far up there in first choice, too. My team is important to me, of course- they’re my family though, and as you said, family comes first. But if you were in trouble and they were in trouble I’d probably go to you. I guess maybe that’s because you’re one person? That probably has something to do with it. But anyway, I appreciate it.
Pizza is actually the greatest food ever. Hey, I hate tomatoes, too! Nate thinks I’m crazy for it, but I don’t like them in things or raw or roasted or anything. What’s your favorite food?
Okay, okay, calm down! I meant funny more as, like, not humorous kind of funny? Oh, and Mick was there, but that was before we were buds. See, he was actually a felon before he joined the Legends, and he’s been in prison all the time, so he knew that if we got on the guys bad sides we would never survive in there. I’m sure he would have stepped in had it gotten too bad, like if they had actually tried to kill me. But hey, Mick was a different guy back then, and I forgive him.
Not true, I was saying something about saying something about the winky face, not actually saying something about the winky face.
I don’t know if that facial hair comment was supposed to be flirtatious or a burn.
Yep! I’ve actually been engaged twice. The first woman died, and the second woman went off with her soulmate. I know it sounds like I kind of throw myself around at women but.... I swear you’re still special. I believe that soulmates do exist (even if it’s not like the kind of soulmate that Kendra had), so every setback I’ve had in my relationships has just been steering me farther down the road to meet the person who’s really right for me.
You’ve never had a boyfriend? Wow. I mean, I guess it makes sense: you were possessed by a demon and you had Damien Darhk as a father. I can’t imagine he was very welcoming to boyfriends or even just normal friends. As selfish as this sounds, I’m kind of glad he’s no longer around for the sake of my heath. Also, I think you like having a pen pal, even though I’m sure you’d never admit it ;)
I think you’d make a great superhero! Or at least, a great Legend. That’s kind of our claim to fame... we’re not heroes, we’re Legends. So maybe Sara and Ava can work out after all. And Zari and Nate. And... you and me?
Affectionately (yeah I thought I switch things up. I’ll have to come up with another one for June),
Ray
P.s: Your last letter was the tenth one we’ve sent back and forth! Crazy, right?
May 22, 2019
Ray,
I felt like an overeager beaver (don’t judge; that’s something my dad would say) replying the day I received your letter every single time, so that’s why this one’s a little later than normal.
Good grief, you have nightmares about me? Really try not to worry too much, you’ll get grey hairs. Not that that’s so bad- grey hairs can be distinguished on some men. But please don’t dye your hair grey because I said that.... “some” men doesn’t mean you. And no, I wouldn’t have gotten mad at you if you had come to visit... but Ava would have and she may have put the kabash on these letters, so I wouldn’t risk it.
Ha, well, I don’t say that many sweet things so don’t get used to it. You probably get four or five a year, tops. And only because you’re special.
Wow, my favorite food? What are we, eight? Kidding, kidding. My favorite food is probably ice cream. And I swear if you say that’s not a food I will stop speaking to you. Writing to you. Whatever, same difference. As cringy as it feels to write this: What’s your favorite food?
Fine. Also- the next time I see Mick he is going to get it. I don’t care if you think he wouldn’t do it now; if he almost left you to die, he deserves a serious talking to from Miss Nora Darhk. Also if you tease me about referring to myself in third person I will slap you through this paper.
Oh my gosh you’re making things so complicated whatever let’s just forget about the winky face ;)
You know, I think whenever I say something about your facial hair from now on, it’s going to be a burn.
Holy smokes- twice?! Jeezum, I’ve never even had a boyfriend. I’m sorry to hear about the first woman but.... you’ve got a good attitude about it. I don’t really know why I’m surprised about that, considering you’ve got a good attitude on just about everything, but still. And that Kendra woman is an idiot for giving you up. There’s only one Ray Palmer in the world, and if you lose him that’s 110% your loss.
Yeah, I think for the sake of your health I’m glad he’s not around, too. Though, if we could go back to the time when he wasn’t fundamentally a psychopath, I would have loved for him to meet you. But I guess technically he did meet you that time when our adult selves first met, and we kidnapped you... ha, remember how I took you on the mission and we got stuck in a time period together? One heck of an ice-breaker. I don’t think I truly hated you, even then.
Hahaha, me a superhero that’s laughable. But hey, I guess if you have ex-felon Mick Rory on your team and ex-assassin Sara Lance on your team... yeah, I’d probably fit right in as a Legend.
You and me, huh?
- Nora
May 28, 2019
Dear Nora,
HAHA why can I totally see Damien Darhk saying “overeager beaver”?! That is literally the greatest thing ever. I think that should become the Darhk family’s motto.
Oh don’t worry, I have nightmares about everyone in my family dying. Nate and Sara die in my dreams at least once a week. Wow, that sounds really dark. I swear I have good dreams, too! Like that one about Sara and Ava getting married and Ava having a mustache, that was one of the best this year. I promise I won’t die my hair grey, by the way. That will come eventually and I’m not gonna rush it heh heh.
Four or five a year, wow, that’s precise. May I ask how many sweet comments a year someone who’s not me gets?
Ouch, I see how it is. Well, I appreciate you asking, no matter how cringy you may have felt. My favorite food is mac’n’cheese. Please don’t laugh. People always seem to laugh when I say my favorite food is mac’n’cheese and I don’t get it. It’s a meal! Even for adult males!
Aw, no, don’t kill Mick too badly. He really has gotten better. Most days, anyway. It was a survival instinct for him. Heh, I’m kind of regretting bringing this whole almost-died-in-the-Russian-Gulag story up. Though it is nice to know that if anyone ever makes me unhappy or tries to kill me that you’ll defend me. Much appreciated. (also no comment about the third person. It was cute)
How am I supposed to forget about the winky face when you go and do another winky face?!
Thanks! I pride myself on being generally optimistic about everything. You’ve probably noticed. I think it annoys most people but I’d rather be “peppy” than a Debby Downer, you know? I’m definitely a glass half full person.
Aw, Nora.... what happened to only four or five sweet things a year? I think that that almost made me cry. Well you know what? If any idiot was enough of an idiot to let you go, he really is an idiot. I’m so eloquent, right?
Yeah, sometimes I think back on those times and I’m like, wow, wouldn’t it be weird if we were a normal couple? I bet we would have met at Jitters, and I would have bumped into you and accidentally spilled coffee down your shirt, and then immediately offered you my jacket to cover up the stain. And then I would have come back there at the exact same time just in the hopes of seeing you again, and you’d be there, and I’d ask for your number, and then we’d go somewhere cute and not too dressy for our first date. Wouldn’t that have been nice? But hey... we’re unique. Not a lot of people can say that.
You’d be a great Legend :)
Uhh, was that too far? Sorry, didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable. Kind of deliberating going and erasing that couple thing up there... but I don’t like to erase things. It makes me feel like we’re talking face to face. You can’t erase conversations... well unless you have one of those mind-wipe things from the Time Bureau, but I would never use that on you.
Affectionately,
Ray
May 30, 2019
Ray,
Wow, that would be one heck of a motto. Can you imagine me writing that on my father’s grave? ‘Here lies Damien Darhk, Father, Murderer, Time Traveler, Overeager Beaver.’ I’m sure he would have loved that.
Umm... that’s supposed to make me not worry? Ray, it’s not healthy to be having that many nightmares! You do realize that no matter how much you worry about your friends and family dying, when it comes down to it it’s probably going to be completely out of your control? If it makes you feel any better, though, a couple nights ago I had a dream where my father had come back to life, and he found out that we were.... whatever we are. And he killed you. I woke up and um... I re-read all of your letters. It actually helped, if you’re looking for coping ideas.
Let’s say about.... no sweet comments for the average person? Like, zero a year? At max?
Uhhh, kinda glad you weren’t around. I totally laughed when I heard your favorite meal was mac’n’cheese. But that’s just because I imagined the little kid meals at restaurants that are about five calories. You can totally have gourmet mac’n’cheese, and it’s completely legitimate for a favorite food.
Alright, I promise I won’t kill him too badly. Just a little bit. I mean, it’s not like I’ll ever even see him in person, let’s be real. And what is it with you and making a comment about saying you won’t make a comment?!
I’m just not going to even reply to the winky face paragraph, so... I never really liked the glass half full or half empty thing. When I was younger and people used to ask me if I was glass half full or glass half empty, I used to tell them that I was just.... half a glass. But you are definitely glass half full.
Oh jeez, I don’t want to make you cry. And great redundancy; it added a nice touch to the compliment.
Oh, so we’re a couple, huh? You’ve really thought all of this out. I... kind of like that story, actually. I’ve heard that the multiverse actually exists..... maybe somewhere out there the two of us have that story. Maybe somewhere, we’ve been dating for two months and I’m getting ready to bring you home to my parents. And we’re starting to consider.... saying certain things to each other. But yeah, we’re unique alright. 21st Century Love Letters, that’s certainly different.
No, no, you’re fine. I was just... surprised, I guess?
- Nora
June 3, 2019,
Dear Ray,
Hahahah that’d be amazing. Hey, to change the subject, Gideon told me it’s your birthday!! I know this will get to you a day late butttt: Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Nora.... Happy Birthday to you! I know you’re in prison, but I requested something special from Mona that I hope you’ll receive :)
It’s okay, I’ve heard that it’s normal for superheroes to have nightmares. And I’m glad the letters helped. I mean, that’s what they’re there for, right? But hey, I’m totally alright, okay? I’m never going to let you father kill me. Also, he couldn’t possibly kill me because, to put it frankly, he’s dead. It’ll all be good.
Don’t judge me.... but I really like those little kid mac’n’cheese bowls at the restaurant! Except I need like six because I eat way too much heh heh.
I guess he’ll only be mostly dead? Please tell me you know the Princess Bride, right? I will literally come to your cell, disobey Ava, bring in a television, and we will watch it if you don’t. I don’t care about the consequences. You need to see that movie.
You know, I never really looked at it like that. Things aren’t black and white, and neither is optimism or pessimism. I like the hall-glass thing, that’s a good answer. You know, you said you aren’t poetic but that’s not too bad.
It’s okay, it was a good cry! And it wasn’t really a cry. I teared up. A tiny bit. It’s fine, don’t worry about me.
I like that thought. Actually, Nora.... We’ve been talking for a few months and, I know that’s not very long, but like you said... if we had been together, dating, in person, it might come time to say certain things. You know that I like you. I mean, that’s pretty obvious. I haven’t tried to hide it because... I want you to know. I want you to know everything that I feel about you.
I guess that this is the first legitimate “love letter” that I’m writing you. I mean, we were pen pals, platonic pen pals, really, before this moment. But here you go. Your 21st Century Love Letter. You deserve this and so much more.
It’s a new month, huh? June. I sent you that first letter exactly two months ago. It feels like no time at all as passed, but I know you so much better than I ever thought I would get to. But anyway, a new month. I need a new closing statement.
I think I have the perfect one.
Love,
Ray