Oliver stared up at the empty stair case as the sound of the metal door slamming resounded through the room. Oliver felt rooted to that spot knowing she wasn't coming back, but still hoping his only chance to be with someone who understood him had not ended so violently. He exhaled deeply finally gathering up the strength to move away. He should have realized that it wasn't going to work. That would be too easy
"It feels good to tell the truth." The words echoed in his head. He was just so tired lying - of keeping everyone out. He longed to be able to have an open, honest conversation with someone. He had not realized how much he had missed it – until her. When the dam broke, it wasn't a trickle but a torrent that came flooding. She had asked him had he ever felt free on the island. He had recaptured that feeling with her. Like those fleeting moments on the island, this was fleeting as well.
"I've been alone with my hate so long." Oliver shook his head. He had thought that she could have been turned around. He knew what it was like to be left alone with your fear and anger and what bottling it up does to you. He didn't see that she was too far gone for him to reel her back in until it was too late.
Oliver mindlessly changed out of his costume into a suit. He walked out into the night. He was not ready to home yet. He couldn't face them and act like nothing had happened just yet. This ache he had was different than before. He had broken so many hearts before and it never matter. He never felt it, because it wasn't his own. It was always someone else's. It was his turn. To lay his soul bare and have his heart ripped open.
Oliver stepped out into the dark night. He needed some fresh air. He needed to some time to think. He was not going to call Diggle. He couldn't call Laurel. A mirthless smile crossed his face. Helena had been right about one thing. Laurel had been the one. He had blown it. He wanted her to be happy, she certainly deserved that and more after everything he had put her through. But, it still hurt to see her with Tommy.
Oliver looked up seeing the red and yellow Big Belly Burger sign across the street just as his stomach growled. He could use some comfort food now, since that was all the comfort he was going to get.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed. Reviews are always welcome.