A/N: I decided to write these two prompts together, so they're published back to back and people don't have to wait for them. This prompt was directed to Oliver's thoughts during the love scene between him and Laurel.

I don't normally say this, but I recommend people to listen to: "Tough Lover" by Christina Aguilera, "Beautiful Soul" by Jesse McCartney, "Let Me Love You" the Glee version, and finally "More than Love" by Los Lonely Boys (one of my favorite songs lol).

I found that the songs really helped set the mood (clichéd saying, I know) for the story and just wanted to share that tidbit with you.

Enjoy!

He gazed down at Laurel's expectant face as his hand lowered from the door. He didn't expect his feet to lead him here (he knew they would). She gazed at him and as he told her words he never expected would surface from the back of his brain, her expression turned tender. His heart skipped a literal beat as she reached up toward him. Her confession made him crazy. He didn't know if he could control everything in his microscopic world once he admitted his innermost feelings.

Time ceased for him. as he lifted her up and carried her back to her room, Oliver's mind reverted to its instinctual manners. As he always reacted when she was near, every intentional thought flew out of his head. She smiled that one smile that sent a fire down his entire body and he was lost.

Oliver Queen, a man who escaped Death's clutches over one hundred times, felt his hands shake. He sent his thanks to gods he didn't know existed at that moment. he succumbed to his second nature and the intent on making her remember why she was his.

.

Laurel curled up beside Oliver and touched his tattoo on his chest. She gazed at it for a long moment before stating, "So much has happened to you."

Oliver laughed quietly and glanced down at her. "I'll tell you when the right time comes."

"Whenever you're ready, you mean," Laurel retorted. Oliver chuckled and gave a small nod. Laurel gripped his hand and turned her body back over. "When you become ready, I'll be here to listen."

oliver was stunned at her blind trust in him. he knew on a deeper level that they were still going to have to deal with the issue of her sister's death on his hands. Laurel sighed and pulled him tighter around her body. He gazed down at this woman and was perplexed. She unmanned him at every turn, but still was willing to pick the pieces up for him. She hated him on one breath and loved him on the next.

She was not a woman who loved easily. She plunged herself into the experience, that was true, but she held every piece of herself back until she was completely immersed in a blanket of safety and love. He wondered if she realized that he fell for her the same exact way she fell for him.

The first time, he'd been caught completely unaware and commitment scared the shit out of him. After his five-year stint in hell, he was ready to commit more than she was willing to yet. He knew that she'd know his stability and sanity were hers. Everything he was belonged to her. Every breath he drew, every drop of blood and sweat he created, and every life he protected was because he was hers.

He'd faced Death's door many times on that island and came back from visiting the Grim Reaper because he had something to live for. He wasn't going to let anyone or anything harm her, even himself.

A/N: I decided to make this one short because I didn't really know how to convey his emotions longer than 500 to 600 words. I hope you liked it! Please leave a review!

Until Next Time,

DBA

P.S. If you want to hit me up with a prompt, I'll write something! Thanks, guys! Love you all!