Hero Starling City Needs, The

by The Outlaw Witch

Oliver is mourning his friends death, and John comes in to remind him of a promise he had made to himself when he came back from the island.

Oliver Queen had to get away. He didn't need to be there anymore. He just lost his best friend, Tommy Merlyn, and he didn't believe would ever be the same again.

When he had gotten back to Verdant, Oliver saw that Felicity was gone, and John wasn't anywhere to be found. So much for Team Hood. He won some battles and lost other battles too. Like this one that claimed the life of his best friend.

Oliver didn't know what he was going to do or what he was going to do next, and he didn't care any more.

"Oliver," John said from behind him. "I heard about Tommy. I'm sorry."

"He got Laurel out of the building before it collapsed on him," Oliver told him.

"I know," John said. "But would Tommy want you to be like this?"

"Give me break, Diggle," Oliver said. "I'm entitled to mourn over my best friend."

"You're also the hero that Starling City needs, Oliver," John said. "Think of that as you think about your friend's death. Tommy knew this about you even though he didn't want to. Don't mourn him for long." John turned then and walked away.

Alone, Oliver stared at the wall as he thought about the city he swore he was going to protect.