Author's Note: Sorry that Oliver is a little OOC here. I am trying to find his voice!
Disclaimer: All recognizable Arrow characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners including, but not limited to the WB. The original characters and plot are the property of the author of this fan fiction story. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any previously copyrighted material. No financial gain is associated with the publishing of this story. No copyright infringement is intended.
As he sat in the rain resting on his heels, letting the water soak through his tuxedo shirt, he could hardly tell remember where this all began. He stared blankly out across the expansive lawn of the Queen mansion as he heard the chords of "At Last" by Ella Fitzgerald start and the shuffle of feet as people repositioned their chairs to get a better look at the bride and groom spin around the dance floor. A minute or two later he felt Diggle lay his large hand on his shoulder. Oliver barely acknowledged the touch, but he did accept the beer when Dig dangled it in front of him. A few moments longer and Diggle felt the need to speak up, "You're missing Thea's big moment man."
"I know," Oliver sighed, sat back so his Armani tux now sat flush against the cold, wet cement, and took a long swig of the beer, "But she isn't here. And I know I royally fucked it up, but…She's…I…"
"I know, man. I know, but you have to put on that million-dollar smile and let the Starling City Gazette capture a few shots of you with Thea and Roy and your mom, and then I can pull some tactical moves and get you out of here."
Oliver took one more swig of his beer, stood up, rubbed his hands over his face and turned toward the door he'd snuck out of earlier. He knew he would find a dry tux sitting in the guest bedroom, and he would do everything he could to make this night memorable for Speedy. But as he dried himself off, he had to finally admit that he was crying for the first time in years.
