This will be a series of loosely connected stories based on previews of Arrow Season 2. I may not (probably will not) update for every single preview; updates will depend on my hectic schedule and the nature of the preview. These stories will NOT reflect what will happen in the show and should be taken as flights of creative fancy. They will all be Felicity, Oliver, and Diggle focused with a definite Olicity vibe.

I do not own the characters, images, or storylines of "Arrow".

This chapter is based on the teaser scene of Felicity and Diggle parachuting onto Lian Yu.

"You're very sweaty."

"You shouldn't have come here."

Felicity grunted. "Sweaty and heavy. Off, Oliver." She shoved at his shoulders.

Oliver Queen smirked at the blonde woman sprawled beneath him. "Nice to see you too, Felicity." He pushed himself to his feet before holding out a hand to help her up.

Felicity jumped up, brushing pine needles and dirt from her hair and clothing as she moved, and ran to Diggle. "Are you ok? That was insane! I'm so sorry. I really did stay right behind you, I promise. You never said anything about landmines and how did you not step on it because you're feet are way bigger than mine?"

"I'm fine Felicity. Breathe." John Diggle allowed the woman to check him for cuts and scrapes. He looked over her head to see Oliver staring at them, confused. Diggle put his hands on Felicity's shoulders. He turned her toward Oliver. "Well, you found him. Time for the next part of your master plan."

The threesome stood in the clearing as detritus from the recent landmine explosion filtered down from above. They'd been through hell together before Oliver had disappeared from Starling City. The changes the island had wrought on Oliver had changed all of their lives. Coming here—coming back here in Oliver's case—had been a gamble.

Oliver glanced at the sun. "We should get to shelter before dark. Follow me." He turned and loped off into the forest.

When they reached the cave Oliver had been calling home, Felicity collapsed onto a fallen tree. She groaned. "Remind me to spend more time at the gym."

"You did a good job keeping up," Diggle said. He squinted at Oliver, willing him to offer his own encouragement.

Oliver looked at her and back at Diggle. "How did you get here?"

"Jumped"

Blue eyes widened in surprise, Oliver blurted, "But Felicity was afraid of heights."

"Still am," she mumbled from the log.

"Trust me, she really is. She hacked all over the beach."

"Over-sharing, Digg," groused the woman even as both men laughed.

Oliver checked the outside of his cave, making sure none of the little traps and tricks had been disturbed in his absence. He felt Diggle watching him, questions in his serious gaze. Oliver deferred answering. "How did you find me, anyway?"

"Turns out that a defense satellite makes a pass with this island just barely in its visual range. We watched the images for signs of habitation. We didn't find any, but she was convinced you were here."

Felicity rolled her eyes at Diggle. "I was right, wasn't I?"

"Wait, how did you access a DoD satellite image-feed?"

"Man you really have no idea how smart she is, do you?"

"Ha!" Her fist pumped in the air in her signature move. She abruptly looked crestfallen. "I hope you're right about them not sending blondes to Gitmo. Otherwise I might have to take up permanent residence here."

"You're a very bad girl." Oliver tried to look and sound stern, but he couldn't help a bit of pride leaking through. He pulled a shirt over his head. "I have enough food and water here for tonight, so you—oof!" His breath rushed out as one hundred twenty-four pounds of genius collided with his chest. "Uh, hi? Again?"

"You're not sweaty anymore. I missed you." Felicity hugged him tightly and beamed up at him. Her bright smile caused his breath to catch. Then she stepped back and punched him, hard, in the stomach. "That is for scaring the crap out of me, and Digg but he won't admit it because he's sphinx-like, and for leaving your sister to worry herself to death."

"Ow." He ruefully rubbed his midsection. "Who taught you how to punch?"

"Digg. Don't be such a baby, you hurt my hand more than I hurt you and you know it. Digg's taught me lots of things while you've been gone. We've done a lot. But—" she stabbed a finger at his nose, causing him to flinch backward. "Your sabbatical is over, Mr. Queen. Time to come home."

In a stern voice, Oliver replied, "You don't know what you're asking. I appreciate all you've done, but—"

"Good. You can show your appreciation by coming home."

"It's not that simple, Felicity!" Oliver roared.

"Then explain it to me!" She yelled right back. "I think I've earned the right to an explanation."

He wanted to rage at her, but couldn't. She stood there, the setting sun glinting off her hair and anger making her brow furrow. Diggle stood in the corner, ostensibly unloading his backpack, while glancing at them with worried frowns. These were his friends. The two of them knew more about him than anyone on Earth.

"Rights are not earned. Man earns knowledge and through it realizes his rights."

The both stared at him, dumbstruck. He shrugged. "Something Yao Fei told me, once."

Felicity smirked. "Oliver Queen, ladies and gentlemen. He hasn't read Shakespeare, but he can debate the innate nature of human rights."

"Uh…"

"You haven't read Shakespeare?" Diggle sounded offended.

"Uh…" Oliver stuttered again.

"He seems to have used up his store of philosophical insights for the evening, Felicity."

She snorted. Arms folded over her chest, she peered around. "You mentioned food? I'm starving."

~#~#~#

Hours later, Oliver returned from scouting the perimeter. Shadows cast by the small campfire danced across the cave walls. He un-slung his bow and quiver from his back. The sight on the far side of the fire made him frown. Felicity lay curled up against Diggle, sleeping peacefully. She looked comfortable, even natural, with her head lying on Digg's shoulder. The scene made Oliver feel vaguely unsettled, as if he'd been cheated.

Diggle eased away from the sleeping woman. He stretched as he crossed to where Oliver stood. "Stop thinking whatever it is you're thinking, Oliver."

The younger man's eyebrow quirked.

"Nothing's changed. I love Carly."

"I didn't say anything."

"Not with words. Look, we've had to lean on each other a lot these last few months. I care about her," Digg jerked his chin toward Felicity. "But just as close friend."

"If you care about her so much why'd you bring her here?"

"Screw you Oliver. I didn't bring her here. I insisted upon coming with her. Trust me, she was coming with or without me. There's not a cage in the world strong enough to hold her once she sets her mind to something. You know that. She was convinced you were here. She plotted the island location. She arranged for the over-flight. She's a fighter, Oliver. Hell, man, if you want to stay here, just teach her how to shoot a bow. She can be the new hero of Starling City."

"I don't doubt it." He sighed. "I have to go back, don't I?"

"I don't think she'll leave you here. So, yeah, you're going back with us." Diggle slapped his friend on the back. "Grab some sleep. I'll take this watch."

"Thanks."

"Hey, Oliver," said Diggle. "When we get home, you're going to tell me a lot more about this island."

"Sure thing," Oliver replied in a tone that indicated he'd do no such thing. He settled down in Diggle's recently vacated spot. Lifting the corner of the blanket, he slid underneath and pulled Felicity's lithe frame against his side. She stiffened. "Shh," he murmured. "Just me."

"Oliver?"

"Mmm?"

"Missed you."

He dropped a soft kiss on her forehead. "Missed you too, Felicity. Thanks for rescuing me."

"Damn straight," she murmured before falling back asleep.

For the first time in months, Oliver slept through the night untroubled by nightmares.