It's been written for awhile (and really who know when I'll have time to write more?) so I apologize (I guess?) for posting so many stories/updates tonight.

Quick edit - I forgot to mention that this one-shot was inspired by a snippet of dialogue in the Mummy 2. Also all of these stories are unconnected one-shots.

Oliver Queen adjusted the strap of his quiver for the seventh time as his team prepared around him. Roy was sharpening his arrows in the corner, Dig was cleaning his handgun and checking his extra ammo. Felicity was zipping up her Kevlar vest. His fingers clenched around the strap for the eighth time.

It wasn't the first time she'd been out in the field. She was their self-proclaimed 'bitch with wi-fi'. She was the one who delivered the serum that took away Slade Wilson's super-strength.

He ground his teeth together as he glanced up at his blond partner. She wasn't playing the part of IT genius tonight. She wouldn't be interrogating and cyber terrorizing the bad guys of Starling tonight.

He wasn't sure that anything had ever been more wrong than Felicity Smoak holding semi-automatic shotgun. Her hands were steady even as his own shook.

He didn't have a choice. They didn't have a choice.

The door opened at the top of the stairs and Detective Lance trotted down the steps quickly. Oliver watched as he surveyed the scene and noticed just how much Lance disliked Felicity's involvement. It turned out the two of them could agree on some things.

"My men are in position, Oliver. I have handpicked a team that will follow John's lead. Sara and Nyssa will cover the rooftops." He cleared his throat awkwardly. "I have video putting Thea with Malcolm. What are-"

Oliver waved him off. "Roy will handle Thea."

Quentin nodded, understanding that Oliver knew best. Their partnership had stumbled slightly upon the big reveal but they trusted each other. His eyes settled upon Felicity who had silently watched the exchange. He tugged playfully on her ponytail. "Are you sure you need to be out there? I'm sure you could do what needs to be done down here."

Felicity's lips twitched upwards but she shrugged heavily. "We need all the help we can get, Detective. Malcolm has an army with him. Slade Wilson's army was dangerous but untrained. Malcolm was trained by the League of Assassins. We have to assume that his followers have been trained in the same way." Her eyes flickered over to Oliver before meeting Quentin's gaze once more. "Every able body."

Lance eyed the weapon in her hand doubtfully but said nothing. He wrapped his arms around her quickly, "Take care of yourself, Kiddo. You're like one of my own." He smiled. "I'm not sure how it happened but I worry about you the same as I do for Sara and Laurel."

Felicity kissed him on the cheek and stepped back. "I'll be outside, waiting." He told them before turning around and leaving.

The four of them gathered their things and met in the center of the room. Oliver struggled to find the words to say. They had never faced an enemy like this before. The silence was tense.

"Go Team Arrow?" Felicity offered with a small smile.

John and Roy both snickered. Oliver's lips turned up in a sad smile.

"We're all coming home tonight. Do you hear me?" Oliver added.

They all nodded. But John still hugged Felicity tightly and shook Oliver's hand before heading up to where Lance was waiting for him. Roy pressed his lips against Felicity's cheek before turning to face Oliver.

"I'm going to bring her home. She's still Thea. And I'm bringing her home." Roy promised, he looked between the two of them for a moment before clearing his throat. "I'll wait for you upstairs, Felicity."

Oliver and Felicity watched him leave. The air was thick with unsaid sentiments and tangible fear. Felicity's gaze was on him and he wanted to shrink beneath it.

It shouldn't be this way. She should be safely ensconced in their base of ops, guiding them along the way. She should be the voice in his ear telling him which way to go and encouraging him.

His eyes dropped to the gun in her hand and he took it from her. His hands checked it over meticulously. "You'll be just fine. Just remember to use both hands." He handed it back to her, still unable to meet her gaze. "Try to remember to keep it tight to your shoulder." He positioned it against her shoulder and moved her hands to the correct position. "Lead the target, keep them in your sights at all times." He cleared his throat, ignoring the tremble and slight cracks in his voice. "Remember to squeeze the trigger. Don't pull." His thumb brushed over the knuckles that held the barrel of the gun.

"Oliver?" Felicity whispered and his eyes snapped up to meet her gaze. "I won't miss."

This wasn't supposed to be happening. They shouldn't be here.

But they were. And for some horrible reason this felt like goodbye. As he stared into the blue depths of her eyes, he saw it there. She was saying goodbye. She knew that the odds were against them this time. She accepted that one of them might not make it home.

And as he stood before her, he suddenly wished that they had more time. He wished that he'd had a drink with her instead of Isabel in Russia. He regretted seeking comfort in Sara after his mother's betrayal. And he wished more than anything else that he hadn't remained silent on the beach seventeen months ago.

They were out of time. Something he'd been so sure they'd have more of.

Felicity placed her weapon on the table next to her and gave him an encouraging smile. His hand shot out and snaked around the back of her neck, pulling her to him. Her mouth opened in surprise just before his lips covered hers. Her fingers dug into green leather as his own ran through silky blond curls. He lost himself in the feel and the taste of her for several moments.

Why had he fought this? It was hard to remember when she was sighing like that and tangling her tongue with his.

Steel resolve settled upon him. He would survive this. And so would she.

His mouth moved against hers with renewed vigor. And then he pulled away and left without looking back.

He would see her again. And he wouldn't be wasting another damn moment.

Roy was waiting just outside the door and he grabbed Oliver's arm. Oliver looked at his protégé and waited for him to speak. "I'll bring both of them home, Oliver. Or I'll die trying." He promised.

Oliver nodded. "I know."

He didn't tell him to watch her back, or to keep her safe. He knew that Roy would do his best. He clapped the younger man on the shoulder and then he took off into the night.

Thanks for reading!