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No you didn't. You...it shoulda been me Tommy....

You ever notice how everyone who says they didn't screw up, they're already screwed and usually they just don't know it yet?

[Like he's one to talk.]

No, I think we both know that it should have been my father. There's only so much justice, though. What's left over is, by definition, unfair.

I'm not perfect, but I took a seriously hard hit for my dad's choices.

I know, and that's the worst part. I'm so sorry, Tommy.

But you're hot.

I- uh. I mean. Um. You didn't! You did nothing wrong. Nothing at all.

Yeah? I guess the question then is, did you choose to take the hit? Or did it just kind of hit you out of nowhere?

I chose to take a risk to save someone I love. That I did choose. But the reason it all went to hell and I needed to save her? Well, I didn't choose any of that.

It is unfair.

*Clings to Oliver, holding him tight.* How do I do this? I'm a shitty ghost- I need alcohol and carnal love.

*Smiles a little, despite himself. Sometimes a little compliment is exactly the right thing to hear.*

I hear what you're saying. This face is far too pretty to leave this world.

Just stay with me. I'll-I'll take care of you. I'll take care of everything.

And so the house of Merlyn descends unceremoniously into the earth; a victim of it's own black hate.

... Tough situation, man. Sounds like you were screwed no matter what you did.

*Leans on him, feeling so weary and so... hurt. None of it mattered anymore. All the fear and rage between them felt so petty now; so unnecessary. Words failed him when another wave of icy despair wrapped itself up around his lungs and into his throat.*

You know what? That's pretty much exactly it. And that sucks. It sucks a lot.

But you're here now. You're not dead. That means you won, right?

Tommy cocked his head; a sad, self-depreciating smile forming. "I am, actually. I died. So, basically, I lost."

I should have done more to try and save you.

You should have become a surgeon. Like that douchebag your mom is so fond of. Whatshisname. Doctor Douchebag.

David looks stunned, blinking once, not even sure what to say to that. "... Well, shit. I'm sorry, dude. I didn't know."

Yes, it really is. *smiles, happy that he hasn't made fun of her*

I- um. You're not in any trouble, are you? Because you shouldn't be. You did nothing wrong.

Tommy shrugs, longing for alcohol. "If it's anything, I really wish I didn't know." He realizes this might sound horrifying. "I'm not a zombie or anything- if you were worried."

[Ollie wraps a strong arm around him, drawing him close, hoping to push away the chill of death with his warmth. The feeling was settling on him hard that despite everything, he'd failed. He couldn't even save his best friend.] I've got you. You're not going anywhere.

"I'm either in a lot of trouble or I'm done being in trouble ever again, depending on your perspective." He was starting to glaze over with a nice thin coat of cynicism.