Surprises. With need2speed.

[dl_greenarrow]

Oliver had taken the afternoon off from Queen Industries in order to spend some time at the Metropolis Community Center. The place was filled with activity: kids doing homework at some of the tables, some playing a game of pool, and others just sitting around talking and listening to music

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[need2speed]

Mia lingered just outside the doors to the center, trying to decide whether she wanted to go in or not. She sported an ugly bruise on her cheek that even she had a hard time hiding properly with her hairstyle and she didn't like people staring. But she'd gotten it because she'd told her pimp that she was quitting, so she figured she might as well visit the place she got a punch in the face for.

Decision made, Mia swung open the doors and stepped inside. She almost got her foot run over by a puppy.

[dl_greenarrow]

Oliver glanced up at Mocha's excited barking and saw someone new had stepped inside. He wiped his hands on a towel and walked out of the kitchen, a smile on his face as he approached the newcomer. When he got closer, his eyes widened in recognition. "Hey, I--uh. Welcome. I'm Oliver."

[need2speed]

"Hi," she said, distractedly as she watched the dog bound off, a laughing kid chasing after it. Nothing about Oliver's voice was familiar, but when she looked up at him her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Do I know you from some place?"

[dl_greenarrow]

He paused at that, suddenly glad that his face made frequent appearance in newspapers. "Oliver Queen," he told her with a small smile, hoping she'd buy that. His gaze locked on the bruise on her face. "That looks fairly fresh. Want some ice?" he offered.

[dl_greenarrow]

Oliver held her gaze for a long moment, then walked over to the refrigerator, opened the freezer and pulled out a couple of ice cubes, wrapping them in a towel and handing it to her. "I'll listen," he told her sincerely.

[need2speed]

"Trust me, you don't want to know." She frowned, holding the cold compress against her cheek and feeling it throb in response. "I don't want to know, sometimes."

[dl_greenarrow]

He studied her. "But you still do," he said quietly. "Things out there are pretty bad."

[need2speed]

She shrugged. "I've got it better than some. I can take care of myself pretty good."

[dl_greenarrow]

His expression softened. "No, Mia. I don't," he said quietly, his chest tightening. She looked so young, vulnerable. He couldn't really imagine how bad things must have been for her to turn to the life she had, but the question she'd asked, and the look on her face told him more than enough.

[need2speed]

Tamping down the shy smile that threatened to curve her lips, Mia adopted a casual pose. No sense letting him think she was too keen. "Well, if I stay, it'll cost you."

[dl_greenarrow]

He did less well suppressing a smile of his own. "All right. What are your terms?"

[need2speed]

"I'll need a place to bed down. A real bed, none of this futon/sofa crap. And a new wardrobe so I don't scare the kids away." She gestured to her current leather mini-skirt ensemble. It was definitely more of the stripper category than would be considered appropriate for any other job.

[dl_greenarrow]

"Unicorn fear?" he teased, nudging her lightly with his elbow before sliding down off the counter and moving to the stove, stirring the pot of chili.

[need2speed]

"I grew out of the liking horses stage a long time ago," she replied, leaning forward to sniff the air. Already she could tell that the chili had lots of pepper in it.

[dl_greenarrow]

"Well, what about hearts and flowers?" He grinned, glancing at her over his shoulder. "All pink of course."

[need2speed]

"Do it and die," she scowled, getting up to poke him in the ribs with a finger.

[dl_greenarrow]

Oliver paused at that, handing her one of the glasses of milk before picking up the other and taking a drink. "I don't think a lot of these kids get real sit-down meals," he admitted quietly.

[need2speed]

"Something healthy, maybe? But...you know, not too healthy." She wrinkled her nose. "Kids are never gonna come here if you start feeding them beansprouts and tofu. But fruits and vegetables are good."

[dl_greenarrow]

He chuckled. "I wouldn't dream of feeding a kid tofu," he assured her.