Soft music played as everyone ate in the garden of the manor. Everyone was silent and tension was strongly felt by everyone except Laurel who occasionally would turn to her grandparents and talk. Sara and Ava were thankful for the presence of the little girl. If it weren't for Laurel everyone would be losing their minds. Sara was uneasy. The look given by Victoria wasn't really warming up the chilly night.

"Ava dear, did you already visit Erica's?" Mrs. Sharpe asked. It was the first casual question she asked ever since they sat down.

"Yes mother. We already have dresses. Laurel too" the taller blonde replied. "Everything is all set, you don't have to worry" she took a sip of her wine hoping it would give her the strength to get through the evening.

Sara can feel Ava's desperation even with their daughter between them. She wiped the sauce on Laurel's lip, trying to distract herself. She could tell that Ava doesn't want to be here as much as she does.

"Sara" Sara liked William, he wasn't disapproving like Victoria and he actually talks to her like a normal father in law. "How are you recovering? You can stand, that's a good sign right?"

Sara smiles, genuinely. "I've been doing great actually. Ava has been kind to offer the house for me and Laurel. I've been healing faster than expected"

"Is that your first gunshot wound?" he asks

"Third. This one was the worst though. The rest were just scratches." She doesn't like talking about her wounds but she didn't want to be disrespectful to Ava's father.

"Is the crime rate that bad in Star City? Mayor Queen should be concerned." Mrs. Sharp added. "After all, you are close with him are you not?" she raised her brows implying that Sara and Oliver used to date way back when Oliver was dating her sister.

"Mom, I don't think that's a discussion for the dinner table." Ava' voice was stern, warning her mother to stop pressing.

"All I'm saying is that I don't want a harsh environment for my poor granddaughter" the older blonde took a sip of her wine. "If this goes on and you're always putting your life on the line then don't you think its best if my daughter held custody of Laurel?"

"Victoria" William warned.

Sara felt her blood boil. Her hands clinched the knife and the fork so tightly, her knuckles turned white. "With all due respect, I may be putting my life on the line but I never missed or never stopped being a good mother to my child. I always make sure she is loved, and safe and taken care of because it is my responsibility. I wouldn't think you would relate, after all, even without putting your life on the line, you never knew how to be a mother to your own child"

The taller blonde stood. "I'm sorry William, but I'm afraid my daughter and I couldn't stay any longer." Sara took Laurel's hand and left.

***

"Sara" Ava quickened her pace to catch up on her ex-wife. She can hear Laurel being upset that they were leaving before she could say good bye to her grandparents. "Sara, wait" she called again hoping that the shorter blonde stops.

"What!?" Sara was furious. Her blue orbs pierced through her and she couldn't find herself to talk. "If you're asking me to apologize to your witch of a mother, save it Sharpe, she's not gonna get any"

"I wasn't going to. I was just worried you might hurt yourself. Slow down okay?" She saw her calm down a bit.

"mama, is gammy and mommy fighting?" the little girl bit her lip.

She crouched down to her daughter's height and kissed her hands. "No sweetheart. Mommy just wasn't hungry anymore so were going home, okay?" the little girl nodded.

"I promise you, when we get home, were going to watch a movie, whatever you want. And then were eating ice cream. Sound good?" Laurel' eyes lit up. Ava picked her up and placed her on her hip.

"Let's go home?" she asked Sara, holding out her hand.

The shorter blonde slid her hands into hers. "Yeah"

***

"Miss Lance, can I talk to you in private please?" Victoria whispered

Sara and Ava had been dating for months now. The Sharpe's were kind enough to invite her to an exclusive party in Ivy Town. As much as Sara hates to admit it, she is terrified of Ava's parents. By parents she meant Victoria.

"Sure" She followed her at the standing table. Ava was still busy talking to some businessmen on another table that she didn't see her mom and girlfriend talking.

"I don't want to drag this longer. Let me ask you a question Ms. Lance. What are your intentions with my daughter?" Victoria's voice was stern, implying something.

"Excuse me?" Sara was unclear of what she was trying to say.

"If its money you want, I can give it to you. Just leave my daughter alone." Sara knew Victoria was ruthless and tough but she didn't expect her to be this type of mother. Sure she was being protective, but pricing her daughter? She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

She looked for Ava in the crowd. When their eyes met, Ava smiled at her and mouthed 'everything okay?' Sara smiled back and nodded.

She turned back to face her girlfriend's mother "I love your daughter." She emphasized. "I don't know what you think of me, but I know it's wrong. I don't give a damn about your wealth ma'am. Your daughter is kind, beautiful and strong. It might be difficult for you to believe it but it's why I'm with her. She has a big heart and she deserves to be loved. Maybe if you spend time with her, you'd know. Excuse me"

***

Sara snapped out of her flashback when she felt her sister squeeze her shoulders. "You okay?" Laurel whispered as she finished doing her hair.

"Yeah, I just... I'm not sure if I should be going" She whispered thanks when Laurel was finally through.

"Why the hell not? Everyone is going. Dad would be there" Sara stared at her reflection in the mirror. The makeup, the fancy do? It wasn't her. Her recent argument with Victoria didn't help her confidence in going to the gala.

"Because of work" She replied shortly. Their eyes met in their reflection in the mirror. Laurel held a tiny box in her hand and was grinning like an idiot. "What is that?"

"It's from Ava." her sister opened the box to reveal a necklace and earrings set. It had a simple teardrop pendant that matched the earrings but the entire thing was encrusted in crystals. Sara was surprised. Knowing Ava, this gift could've cost thousands.

"I wish my exes were this generous." Laurel joked.

"I can't accept this. I... It's expensive" She ran her hands through the necklace.

Sara is not a fan of accessories. A simple watch for work, Laurel's necklace which she gave to her and thin rings were all she wore. She liked it minimal and diamonds? Diamonds were the farthest from it.

Laurel carefully took the necklace from the box. "Sara, look at this. How can you possibly reject this thing? It's beautiful" Sara frowned. "I have an idea. Wear it tonight, and then...return it to Ava afterwards. There's no harm in that right?"

Her sister was right. She could always return it. "Fine. But I'm not keeping it."

She felt the cold chains against her skin. The earrings feel heavy at first but she couldn't deny the fact that they looked beautiful on her. She stared at herself in the mirror once more. She looked different. Laurel already went down the stairs to check on her daughter and she told her she would follow shortly.

Sara smiled as she touched the pendant. Ava gave it to her, although not personally, her heart warms at the thought. "Miss Sharpe, you never fail to surprise me"

***

Of course they are running late.

Ava rolled her eyes as she pinned her stray hair in place. She took one glance at herself in the mirror and smiled. At this point, Laurel had already given Sara the set she picked a while ago, or at least she thought.

Sara didn't like being fancy. She was a tomboy by heart and Ava knew that. She just wanted to give her something nice without overstepping. Five grand worth of diamonds is overstepping.

What was she thinking? She could always say that it was for the cameras and that it would be good for their publicity.

"Hey sweet heart. All done?" she asked their daughter who was sitting on the bed

"you look beautiful mama" the little girl smiled.

"aww little bean" she gives her daughter an eskimo kiss. "I love you"

"Can we go see mommy?" Laurel said excitingly.

She grabbed their daughters hand and kissed it. "Let's go"

***

Three knocks on the door followed by an audible "knock knock" from who she believed sounded like her ex-wife got her attention.

"almost ready" she shouted as she grabbed her clutch from the closet.

"Someone wanted to see her mommy" Ava whispered as she opened the door.

Little Laurel was first to come in. She immediately went to hug Sara and stared at her. "Wow mommy" their daughter's eyes sparkled.

"aren't you a sight for sore eyes" Ava whispered like air was knocked out of her lungs.

Sara turned her head to look at her ex-wife. Ava's navy, off shoulder gown clung tight to her curves. She also had her hair down, which she rarely does but it didn't do well in covering one side of her neck, and her collarbone.

"You aren't so bad yourself, Sharpe" she almost stuttered.

"You like?" Ava must have seen the confused look in her face that she gestured to her neck.

Her hands immediately went up to touch her collar but she felt the necklace instead.

"oh... yeah. Thank you" Her voice was shaky this time. Maybe it was the warmth of Ava's smile, or her eyes, or how beautiful she looked tonight. Sara turned her back on her, unable to look any longer.

"It's a little... here let me help" suddenly she feels Ava's warmth on her back. How can she move so fast?

Ava reached for the necklace and Sara immediately froze when she grazed her neck. "All done" the chills that ran down her spine were replaced by familiar hands on her shoulders. "Let me see"

She turned around to face her ex-wife. Ava, in all her glory, was staring at her so closely. All of a sudden her cheeks felt hot.

"Beautiful" the taller blonde whispered.

Their eyes locked and Sara's head spun. Ava was looking at her longingly...lovingly. A look she hasn't seen in a while and she is falling right into it. Her blue eyes sparkled against the lights and it was so captivating. She couldn't move. The world was moving slowly and maybe, her vision was playing tricks on her because Ava was leaning down, in the most subtle way and maybe, this was all a dream because she finds herself leaning closer... and closer.

"Mommy?" a little voice broke her trance.

Sara closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Laurel was her distraction and she couldn't be any more grateful

"yes baby?' she cleared her throat. Ava did too.

She could tell everyone except their daughter was uncomfortable in the room. The vibe was almost suffocating. Her cheeks were hotter this time and Sara was praying hard she does not look like a tomato.

"Can we go now?" the little girl pouted.

***

The venue was away from the city. Although the Sharpe's love their attention, they also vie for exclusivity. They were welcomed by the Arthur, the family butler and were guided to the banquet.

The lobby was filled with familiar faces, to Ava at least. Some were met by Sara when they were still married and she was obligated to come to these events.

Sara eyed the crown looking for someone she knew personally. She spotted her father talking to some of the cops. He might be wearing tux with fancy cufflinks but he was still on duty.

"There you are! Where have you been? I thought you left after I did" Laurel approached her with a clutch on one hand and the infamous Tommy Merlin on the other.

"We got stuck." Sara gave her sister a quick peck on the cheek. "Hey Tommy"

"Good seeing you standing Lance. I heard about what happened." Tommy leaned in forward to give her a quick hug. "Same old, same old huh?" he looked at Ava.

Sara smiled. "You can say that"

"Well you know what they say, when you tie the knot you never get to untie no matter what the lawyers say" Laurel elbowed him. "Kidding! Nice to see you again Sharpe"

Ava took his hand for a shake "Merlin, same old same old huh? What's that they always say? Once a jerk always a jerk no matter which lawyer they date"

"Ouch. You shouldn't say that in front of the little girl. Hi sweetheart" Tommy crouched down to Laurel.

"My mama doesn't like you very much" the little girl commented

"Yup, you are your mothers' child" he stood up and smoothed his suit.

"Okay that's enough for today kids" Laurel pointed at them. "We better get inside. See you"

"mommy can I come with?" Little Laurel looked at her with puppy dog eyes.

"I'll take her at the back for later" Laurel winked. Little Laurel will be wearing the main auction piece, named after her for the finale and she has to stay backstage for the entirety of the event.

Sara mouthed thank you. "Nana Anne's already there she has everything Laurel needs" Laurel nodded and the blondes watched their daughter disappear in the crowed.

Sara was starting to get nervous. She hated these types of events and she was itching to go home. It didn't take long before the photographers noticed them. They were ushered to the carpet where the photographers were situated.

Everyone was calling them. On your left! Look to your right! Miss Lance! Miss Sharpe! She was getting upset. The anxiety was all too familiar. She didn't really know what she was expecting when she married Ava but she hoped this would've ended when they split up, boy she was wrong.

***

"Miss Lance! Do you have any comment about your divorce with Ava" shouted a reporter.

An army of press swarmed her outside the courthouse. They had a meeting for the finalization of their divorce and it was kept quiet. However, someone managed to leak the information.

"is it true that you had an affair? is that why you're separating?" asked another reporter, male this time.

"Miss Lance! is it true that you have a prenup?" security guards were on her now. Blocking everyone who is attempting to get closer

"Who will have custody of your daughter!"

"Miss Lance, is it true that your wife had a miscarriage?" Bullseye.

Sara froze. Tears threatened to form but she tried her best to hold it in. She couldn't speak. She just stood there.

"Hey! everyone out. Miss Lance will not be answering any questions!" Familiar hand pushed her. It was Laurel. "Go Sara get in the car. Go!"

***

Somebody squeezed her hand.

"Hey. Are you okay?" Ava was wearing her worry look. She just nodded. "you're a million miles away" she whispered

"Its... it's the cameras" she lied.

"That's enough pictures for one night" The taller blonde said to everyone. Ava was good at it. She even giggled as if she was joking.

"Let's go?" Ava coaxed. She looked down to see Ava, offering her a hand. "Come on Lance, don't be shy" the idiot smirked.

Sara finds her hands intertwined with her ex-wife. "Let's do this"

The infamous Sara Lance is afraid of a party and one Ava Sharpe might be able to get her through the night.