plurk meme { 2020 } christmas shenanigans

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so deck those halls and trim those trees | laurel & sara | 1,224

[prosecutorial]

Laurel and Sara weave their way through the overly crowded mall. It’s the same every Christmas Eve, as throngs of people dash from store to store to try and pick up a last-minute toy or gift. It was a time-honored Christmas tradition for them as teenagers when the two of them would procrastinate too long and need to rush out to the mall to pick up gifts for the family. One would think, as grown adults with expertise in how to manage their time, they would be able to avoid this madhouse year after year, but ever since Sara had returned to Star City, they find themselves in the same place.

It’s Christmas Eve, stores closing in an hour, and a list of people to find quick gifts for before they’re forced back out into the chilly winter air.

“I know what my excuse is on why we’re doing last-minute Christmas Eve shopping,” Laurel begins as she raises her coffee cup to her lips and takes a long sip. “But you, last I checked, are a time traveler with a ship that can fabricate everything you need, whenever you need it.”

“Yes,” Sara nods, pausing at one of the island counters to browse the cheap costume jewelry they have for sale. “Both of those things are technically true.”

“So … what’s your excuse?” Laurel asks curiously, raising an eyebrow.

Sara pauses, taking in the question for the logical puzzle that it was, before holding up a finger. “My girlfriend does not like it when we use the fabricator for personal gain. It’s a waste of resources.”

“So you’re just going to blame Ava?”

“Is Ava here right now?” Sara asks, glancing over her shoulder, almost as though she expects the tall blond to jump out from being one of the end stands or fake plants that lined the main thoroughfare of the mall to hold her accountable.

Laurel shakes her head. “Not that I’m aware of.”

“Then, yes. I’m going to blame Ava. Also, do you know how hard it is to shop for your girlfriend when you’re trapped on a ship twenty-four-seven?”

“I can imagine,” Laurel laughs, before seeing one of the men’s clothing stores and tapping Sara on the arm, indicating that she wanted to go inside. Sara nods to follow, stepping over to one of the clothing racks while Laurel browses the ties. “I like her, you know. Ava? I think she’s good for you.”

“I’m sure she’d be glad to have your approval,” Sara nods before pulling out one of the dress shirts. “Is blue still Ollie’s color?”

Laurel glances up, eyeing it curiously, before shaking her head. “Not that blue. Maybe go with something duskier?” Sara nods, pointing the finger at her in agreement, before returning to the rack. Laurel runs her fingers over the tie selection, picking up a few options before making her way back to her sister.

“So what about you?” Sara asks curiously, glancing over her shoulder. “Any mysterious suitors for you this holiday season?”

“You know, I tried to squeeze it in between my daily life and my nightlife, and it wasn’t working.” Not that Laurel particularly tried that hard, having more important things, at least in her mind, to direct her focus. But she can’t deny the fact that she’s feeling the loneliness a little more during the holidays when everyone seems to be in love all around her.

Sara watches her before making her way closer. “You know, I might have an idea.”

Laurel pauses before holding up a finger. “If you’re thinking about setting me up with someone …”

“Not set up. Not really.” Sara replies, holding up a finger before she can get too far ahead with that train of thought. “But if there was someone who happened to have caught your eye, maybe I could take over for a few nights? Star City would still have a Canary watching over it while you could get some you-time?”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Well, I’m pretty sure I can’t fill in for you on your day job,” Sara replies with a smirk. “My idea of justice does not go hand in hand with the laws of Star City.”

Laurel chuckles under her breath, nodding. “I’ll take that under consideration.” She sometimes worries that everything her life has become would be too much for someone coming into it. That the things she worries about on a day to day basis aren’t worth the effort. That said, a lot of the other friends she has in her position manage to make it work – why can’t she?

Sara nods, seeing the hesitation in her face, but opting not to push her. “Consider it an open offer. Whenever you’re ready.”

“Thanks,” Laurel nods before glancing down at her prospective purchases. “How are you doing? Did you get everyone?”

Sara glances through her various bags, counting off the list in her head before glancing at her watch. “Just Ava left, but I already know what I’m getting for her, and it’s on our way out.”

“Why don’t we pay for these and hit the food court on our way back?”

“That sounds like a plan,” Sara nods as she makes her way to the register. “I am in the mood for some terrible food court pizza.”

Laurel shakes her head as she follows her to the front. “Of course you are.”

- - - - - -

By the time Laurel and Sara return to the apartment and descend into gift wrapping madness, it’s getting into the early evening. Usually, their father would have laid out a spread for them, something delicious to tide them over until breakfast the next morning. It was the one day of the year he got to plan a meal, and Laurel knew he spent weeks trying to pick everything out.

It’s moments like this that she misses Quentin the most, and him being gone is still a bit of a fresh wound. Sara nudges one leg with her own when she sees her getting too lost in her thoughts.

“Hey. What’re you thinking about?”

“Dad,” she admits with a small smile. “First Christmas without him. It’s kind of weird.”

“Yeah,” Sara admits with a small nod. “It was weird for me the first time too. Though before, there was always a chance that I would get back here to see him one day. This one hurts a little more.”

Laurel nods before reaching over and taking her sister’s hand. “Thank you for coming home. I know you and the Legends probably have your own Christmas rituals by now, but—”

“No buts about it.” Sara squeezes her hand in return, keeping her close. “You’re my sister, and it’s Christmas. There’s nowhere else I would rather be.”

Laurel nods in return before reaching one hand up and brushes a stray tear that slipped down her cheek. “So Mom and Darryl arrive in an hour. I’m going to run to the station to pick them up, but by the time I get back—”

“All the present evidence will be gone.” Sara pushes up to her feet. “Promise.”

“Good,” Laurel smiles before reaching over and pulling her sister in for a hug. “I love you. Merry Christmas, Sara.”

“I love you too,” Sara smiles, hugging her tightly. “Merry Christmas, sis.”