Ch 4 – Our Friend

AN – You guys are clearly the best readers/ reviewers in the world! Seriously, I love hearing your take on the chapters and it really does play into what I do next! I always have a plan but between the actual characters and you guys things don't always follow that plan - I love that though so THANK YOU!

DISCLAIMER: Still must concede I own nothing and make nothing!

Lance watched as Queen dropped to his knees in front of Felicity and after briefly caressing her face he immediately went to work on the zipties binding her. As soon as she was free she returned the caress to his face and reached to hug him. He pulled her in tightly and buried his head at her neck. He reared back suddenly and reached to remove the mask but Felicity's fingers on his hands stopped him.

"It already took you too long – don't mess up the rescue further by revealing your identity." Felicity's quiet voice was teasing even if slightly uneven. They watched as she pulled him back in for another tight hug.

Oliver's husky laughter could be heard as could his whispered response, "We do need to work on our communication skills Ms. Smoak."

Lance watched the byplay with interest even as he saw Diggle and Thea exchange a look from the corner of his eyes. Clearly they see nothing out of the ordinary with Queen fighting for Felicity then comforting her. How did she know it was him anyway? That's a lot of faith to put in someone who may not deserve it.

Diggle spoke to the couple who continued to hold each other tightly enough for Felicity to hear through the comms. "Felicity, we didn't locate the bomb so you need you update the police when you call them. Keep the hostages in that room until the police clear everything and get to you."

Both Felicity and Oliver nodded but they still didn't break apart to act on Diggle's commands.

"Hate to break it up guys but Oliver, you need to get out of there now. The alarm alerted the police and there's a frenzy of activity outside. You guys need to get back as they will probably be looking for you." Diggle announced. "Not to mention the others are getting restless."

Thea, Diggle and Lance saw the hostages were no longer cowering in fear of the gunshots but instead starting to look around.

"You need to go." Felicity's soft voice was muffled as she continued to cling to Oliver. As he wasn't ready to let go yet either, neither acted on her words.

Thea's long suffering sigh was clear on the comms, "Seriously guys – get a room later but for now, Oliver you need to go. Roy's waiting at the side entrance."

Felicity finally pulled away slightly but tilted her head up to whisper to Oliver, "Thank you…now get out."

It was clear to those watching that both tightened their grips before finally letting go. Oliver ghosted a hand from temple to chin before stepping back and turning toward the side entrance.

"Who are you?" One QC hostage asked from beside Felicity but Oliver didn't acknowledge.

"Don't you mean who was that masked man?" Felicity couldn't resist the retort even as everyone on the comms groaned. She continued more seriously, "Did anyone manage to keep a phone? We need to alert the police and have them rescue us." Felicity grinned to herself and watched as Oliver darted away.

Lance noted Felicity's easy attitude even as he felt the tension leave the room as Thea and Diggle both returned to work.

"Clear shot guys but keep moving please." Thea encouraged.

"We need to extend the camera feed and security measures into that vacant building. You guys will be walking in there blind." Diggle's annoyed frown was heard in his voice.

"That's why we added the 'storage room' in front of the door Diggle. We'll have enough protection from the cops at this point…but yeah, we'll work on it." Oliver responded calmly as he and Roy continued to speed easily through the building.

Lance was still amazed to see how calm all were as if this was a daily occurrence…Maybe it is…Lance knew the writing was on the wall and that he just had to decide whether or not to read it. For now he ignored it and split his attention between watching the final steps of Oliver's and Roy's progress and keeping an eye on the hostages as they gathered together for comfort. Felicity was on the phone and Lance assumed she was updating the cops.

"We're back – coast is clear so we are heading out." Oliver's voice came through the comms.

"Got it – all looks good with Felicity." Diggle provided the update before Oliver asked. "We'll wait for the police to get safely in before shutting down and meeting you there."

The chaotic noise of the police action started coming through the comms and Lance noted Diggle and Thea treated it as white noise and they continued to monitor the screens. Thea also continued typing some as she continued to run Felicity's program. However, Lance focused on Oliver's words as he responded easily and convincingly as the arrogant CEO of Queen Consolidated. The differences in this public persona Queen were now strikingly obvious to Lance.

His interest was piqued even more when he heard Laurel's voice calling to Oliver. He also noted Diggle and Thea both appeared curious and listened now as well.

"Ollie, I've been so worried about you. It's been all over the news and I couldn't reach you on your phone. How are you? You weren't inside were you?"

"No, Laurel – I was in no danger but several QC employees were injured and held hostage. It appears the police have resolved it and apprehended the criminals."

Lance noticed this Queen was the public version as well and despite seeing the other side of Oliver or maybe because he did see that side, he was relieved that Oliver had distanced himself from Laurel. Oliver Queen may be a better man than before the island but Laurel deserves more than he can give. Lance couldn't help but switch his focus to Felicity who Diggle and Thea kept a camera trained on. He remembered how the Arrow rebuffed his comments about "our Ms. Smoak" and Oliver Queen's claim seemed just as strong. Lance continued to make a conscious effort to keep the men separate in his mind but it did take an effort.

"Ok, police have entered and are sweeping for the bomb. Felicity should be out soon." Diggle's update caught Lance's attention and he looked at the other monitor showing the police were indeed entering carefully.

"Ok." Lance knew Queen's response was clearly directed to Diggle but the police questioning him about the attempted theft were none the wiser. Lance listened as the cops attempted to get information from Queen to no avail – he played the part of disinterested and distanced CEO better than Lance ever realized. Lance felt a pang of regret as the cops did appear remarkably ignorant and rather useless in light of the true nature of the events. Wonder if that's what they've thought about me? Lance thought to himself even as he turned to look at Diggle and Thea. The two continued to appear focused on their work though and neither met his eyes. Lance returned to listening to Queen's deft handling of the authorities.

"Hostages are out and under the care of EMTs. We've shut down and are heading out." Diggle's update to Oliver pulled Lance from his thoughts. He stepped back to allow Diggle and Thea to rise from their seats and followed the pair out to the car.

Again, the drive was quiet but it gave Lance several minutes to continue processing the recent events. The buzzing in his head had actually settled down as he ran through the timeline once more looking for things he had missed, piecing together tidbits differently now that he had a better view of the big picture.

Attempted theft of QC R&D under the guise of a personal attack against the Queen family – hostages, including one very clever IT girl who provided intel. Lance's quick smile turned into a grimace as he continued that thought, intel not given to the police but didn't I also give the key straight to the Arrow and ask that he take of those strong freaks of nature?

It was easier to focus on deciphering Oliver Queen's group instead of judging his own past actions so Lance shrugged and continued his analysis. Interesting group: two spoiled rich kids, military vet, street kid and an IT genius. Short-hand conversations – familiar with the others' thoughts well enough to anticipate responses. Definitely move and communicate better than long term police partners and that's saying something.

Lance again replayed the team conversations in his mind and remembered some things that still didn't make sense. What entrance did they use to get into QC without police knowledge? What weapons had they mentioned getting to earlier? Where did any of them receive their training?

Lance knew it would take time to completely reconcile his previous view of Ollie Queen with this new Oliver Queen. However, time wasn't a luxury he currently had as Diggle just maneuvered their car near the police barricade. There's still work to do, Lance thought as he exited the car with the other two.

Lance got Thea and Diggle past the police barriers and up to Felicity's ambulance. Beside her was Charlie and she was holding his hand and speaking earnestly to him despite the fact that the EMT was trying to get her to lay down. It was easy to see the old man was embarrassed and yet happy with her attention. She stopped speaking when they approached and turned to attention first to Diggle.

"John, good to see you. I was just thanking Charlie – clearly some good security at QC…Wait, that came out wrong, we really do have good security….you know what I mean." She ended on a frustrated sigh before she smiled warmly at him and extended a hand. He clasped her hand briefly and smiled at her.

"Glad to you see you Ms. Smoak. And yes, we owe Charlie." John stepped back away from Felicity.

Something's off, Lance noted to himself. He took a quick look around at the still chaotic scene with police milling about, hostages receiving care and investigators and bomb techs still hard at work. Nothing would account for this…Lance couldn't even put into thoughts what seemed wrong with the current picture.

Lance watched as the security guard just shook his head and stepped further back. "I'll go now Ms. Smoak. Get some rest and I'll see you at work." With a nod to Diggle and a small smile for Thea, Charlie left the scene.

Lance had felt Thea vibrating with energy beside him since they had arrived but noted that she didn't rush to Felicity but instead maintained a slight distance and limited herself to a simple comment, "Glad you are ok Felicity." There was a moment of awkward silence then Thea startled all by hurtling herself at Felicity for a quick hug which prompted the other woman to groan and wince.

Lance stepped forward himself but Diggle was quicker as he reached for Thea and pulled her gently back. Diggle then gave Felicity a stern look before turning to the EMT. "Is she ok?"

"She won't stay still or quiet long enough for us make a determination." The frustration EMT revealed before addressing Felicity. "We need you to lay back and let us check you out Ms. Smoak."

"Can't I refuse your care? It's not like there's a law that says I must submit to this. I've told you I'm ok and I just want to leave but no, you are holding me hostage too—" Felicity's voice had risen a bit and Lance saw she wasn't as calm as she had appeared but he wasn't sure how to help her. Fortunately he then heard Oliver interrupt her rambling.

"We are asking all QC employees to be checked out Ms. Smoak. We would appreciate it if you would give them just a few minutes of your time. After that, the police also wish to talk to you."

Lance couldn't help but notice the difference between this interaction and the earlier moments in the ballroom. He was confused for a moment before the puzzle pieces suddenly clicked into place. For Queen to play the public CEO/ playboy role convincingly he couldn't be seen fighting bad guys or comforting or caring for his secretary with genuine affection. That's what's off - it's not just Oliver who has to play a role. The burdens they all faced made more sense to Lance and did feel sympathy for him even as he was impressed by the lengths they were all willing to go to support Oliver. He couldn't help but wonder how Sara fared and if she had others around to help her as Oliver did.

"Fine, but I am doing this under protest. I…I guess you will need to step away while he does this, right?" Felicity conceded.

It was the EMT that quickly replied, "No, they can stay…if it's ok with you." Lance felt the man was relieved to have Oliver run interference and would only give that up reluctantly. Watching him, Lance could see that he appeared both annoyed and nervous. Maybe he's someone else who thinks Felicity is scary, Lance thought on a chuckle. He looked up thinking the others would also be amused but saw only worried expressions.

"We are staying." That was definitely Oliver's growl and not the public CEO tone. It startled the EMT but he still appeared grateful.

"Ms. Smoak, please lay back. I need to check your vitals and ask you a few questions."

Lance stepped back to give them some privacy and noted that while Thea and Roy did the same both Diggle and Oliver stayed close. Lance turned away to monitor the rest of the scene and saw that while Thea and Roy had stepped away they both kept their eyes locked on Felicity even as they held hands and whispered quietly.

The street scene lacked the chaos of earlier but there were still no shortage of noise and sounds. Lance was just starting to truly evaluate the scene before him when he heard Thea's gasp beside him. He turned first toward her and then followed her gaze to Felicity.

The EMT was checking Felicity's ribs and a large ugly bruise was evident. He took a step forward to see the damage better and heard the growl from Oliver even as Diggle grabbed his arm. At the same time, Felicity tried to sit up and again disrupted the EMT's efforts.

"Ms. Smoak—"

"Just give us a minute, please. Just a minute is all we need then you can come back." Felicity was pushing the EMT away as she made the request.

While the EMT looked aggravated he did turn to leave and tossed out somewhat less than graciously over his shoulder, "I'll be just out here but we really need to finish the exam."

Lance noted it was as if all parties were frozen until the EMT was out of sight then everyone reacted at once. Thea and Roy leaped forward to fill the spot vacated by the EMT. Diggle switched from holding Oliver back to standing by him and glaring at Felicity. Lance then switched his gaze to see Oliver kneeling just inside the ambulance and heard him growl, "Felicity."

"Do not start growling at me, Oliver Queen. I've had a rough day – that's twice I've had a bomb attached to me! Do you have get thatl?! Look, I didn't know it would look this bad but I did know you would overreact. I wasn't hiding it from you though. I was just going to wait until we were at the lair and let you guys check me out then. Nothing is broken, just bruised – we've all seen worse. I did not lie to you – just get over it." Felicity's voice wavered between angrily defiant and pleading.

The lair? Seen worse? Lance tucked that information away if as he noted that Diggle placed a hand on Oliver's shoulder as Oliver lightly traced the bruised ribs. Despite the gently touch Felicity still winced and pushed her breath out harshly as she whispered, "Oliver, I am ok."

"Who?" This was only Oliver's second word since he had seen the bruise.

"Oh, Oliver, no – it's over now." Felicity's voice was certainly pleading now. "John?"

Lance switched his gaze to see Diggle did not appear overly sympathetic to Felicity's plight.

"Who Felicity?" Oliver was still growling and still lightly tracing her ribs even though his gaze was now trained on her face.

"I don't know! They didn't exactly provide names and need I remind you that they wore masks?!" Felicity paused but she only remained silent for a moment before she continued. "It was the one who didn't want me to help Charlie. Charlie didn't see it happen though – Oliver!" Felicity ended on a growl herself and tugged on Oliver's arm.

"You can't go after him – just help me deal with the EMT and the police and then you can rant to your heart's content once we are gone. Deal?" Felicity offered.

"We'll see – Digg, get the EMT back now. Lance, can you get the police to give us until tomorrow to get her in there for a statement." Oliver tugged Felicity's shirt down and stepped back. His gaze remained locked on her as he gave what amounted to orders.

Diggle stepped away to get the EMT and Roy and Thea again stepped back several feet. Lance hadn't responded to Oliver but realized he didn't expect a response, just action so he stepped away to do his job.

Lance called in a few favors and did get the authority for Felicity to leave now. He made his way back to the ambulance to see Oliver, Diggle, Roy and Thea were still standing guard close by. He went closer to see Felicity and saw her sitting up as the EMT wrapped her ribs. No one spoke until Felicity thanked the EMT for his help. He seemed surprised by the friendlier tone but only nodded and had her sign off on the refusal of treatment.

As he watched, Oliver and Diggle stepped forward to assist Felicity and she smiled gratefully at them both. He noted she and Oliver maintained contact longer than necessary but he didn't think it wasn't something anyone would notice, I wouldn't have noticed it until today.

"Let's go. I assume you are joining us Detective?" Oliver kept his attention on the scene around him even as he and the others adjusted their position seemingly unconsciously to keep Felicity protected in the center of their group.

As the group made their way toward the car, they all heard a voice calling Felicity's name. Lance noticed the group closed ranks even more tightly until Felicity requested otherwise, "It's Kyle from the IT Department. Back off guys."

Felicity even stepped between Oliver and Diggle to smile and greet the newcomer – both assuring the other they were fine. Lance watched as Kyle stepped forward to hug her and realized he was completely oblivious to the fact that Oliver Queen stood nearby with an expression of angry suspicion as he monitored the interaction more closely than a boss should. Lance almost laughed out loud when he realized that Oliver was jealous. As he was focused on Oliver Lance heard the low growl before Oliver spoke in his best CEO voice.

"I'm sorry, Kyle, is it? It's been a difficult day for QC and we are certainly glad you are ok. However, Ms. Smoak requires additional care. As you can see she's in good hands though so you need not worry. Perhaps she can reach out to you next week?" Oliver then took Felicity by the elbow and turned her away before either of them to react to his words.

"Oliver!" Felicity's angry hiss seemed to have little impact as the group again moved her to the middle and made their escape.

Easy to see why there are rumors they are sleeping together. Lance chuckled quietly as he realized that Ms. Smoak easily brought out strong emotions in the usually impassive Queen.

Though the car ride was relatively quiet, it wasn't tense but surprisingly relaxed instead. Lance noted how much calmer Oliver seemed – I don't think it's just that the danger is over but also that they were out of the public eye. He also noted that he and Felicity seemed to gravitate toward one another and maintained physical contact throughout the ride. Each of the group seemed to enjoy their closeness as if they needed to physically re-connect and reaffirm the survival and well-being of the others. Oliver is lucky to have this group – I hope Sara has people in her life as well.

God, when did I start calling him Oliver? Lance thought in a near panic. Luckily there wasn't time to analyze that lapse as they were pulling into the parking lot at the club.

As the group made their way into Verdant, Lance noted both Felicity and Oliver turned to the secure door Diggle had used earlier.

"Oliver, we pulled a couple of Felicity's computers and worked at the bar earlier." Diggle's voice seemed stilted and Lance noted the two in front froze before turning back toward the bar. Lance again noted with interest that Felicity was in the middle of the group, not Oliver, even though there was no danger here.

"I assume you may have a few questions, Detective." Oliver made that announcement even as the group was settling around the bar. Again, all seemed to stay in close contact and it formed a rather intimidating wall of unity.

Lance took a moment to size up the group just as he would any suspect in the interrogation room. This may not be an official investigation but if they were willing to entertain questions he wasn't going to waste this opportunity. He had learned a lot about this group during this crisis and his chances at reading them and understanding their answers were greater than when he actually had Queen hooked up to a lie detector. Lance thought it best to start with easier questions regarding the logistics of today's rescue. However, when he opened his mouth another question tumbled out, "Did you let me hit you?"

As he trained his gaze on Queen he saw the slight lifting of the brow signaling his surprise. He also saw his arm grab Felicity's elbow when she stood. Lance turned and saw just a glimpse of Felicity's angry expression as Oliver turned her to face him. In bemusement Lance watched a silent exchange that resulted in Felicity's exasperated huff as she resumed her seat.

"You deserved that shot, Detective."

"That doesn't answer my question." Lance again had his eyes locked on Queen and quickly realized that was the only answer he was getting. "Did you learn to fight on the island?"

"I learned to survive on the island."

"Perhaps you should focus on today's events, Detective, and leave the past in the past." This advice came from Diggle and Lance met his eyes with a frustrated grimace before tenaciously continuing.

"You could survive on your own but that doesn't explain the fighting skills. What happened on the island? Were the other people there with you?"

"If you want to ask about Sara, you'll have to ask her—" Oliver began quietly.

"How can I when she's not here? Do you know where she is? Is she ok?" Despite his determination to view this as a police matter, Lance felt overwhelmed by the possibilities and by his concern for the life his daughter was leading as it was too easy to see parallels in her and Oliver's positions.

"I'll tell Sara what happened today and that you have questions." Felicity's response surprised not just Lance but the others as well. "Sara can reach us if she needs to, Detective. We exchange some texts…the phone is secure, encrypted, untraceable. I do know how this works, you know?" Lance realized the second half of her answer was for those seated around her.

"Why didn't you say anything?" Oliver was the one who voiced that question.

"Look, you have all of us but Sara, well, I didn't want her to feel like she was still isolated on that island. I don't think the league of assassins provides the best candidates for friends either. I'm just…" Felicity trailed off and Lance noted her gaze was locked on Oliver's smile.

"Remarkable. You're just remarkable." Oliver's voice was barely above a whisper. Lance watched as he turned his gaze back to him. "Sara would have to tell you her story. It's not mine to tell."

"Well then tell me your story – what happened to you on that island?" Lance bit out in frustration.

"No."

"Detective, it is best to stay focused on today's mission." Diggle again tried to intervene.

"Or we could talk about the elephant in the room…or should I say the Arrow in the room?" Thea drew out the question to great dramatic effect.

"Subtle, rich girl, real subtle." Roy's dry tone caused more than a few smiles.

"No." Lance's quick, hard response surprised the group. "We are not talking about the Arrow. We are talking about what happened today and I do have questions." He had lost control of the conversation when he let thoughts of Sara in and Lance needed this to be a professional interrogation or as close as he could get it. He started firing off questions and wasn't really surprised when all answered and completed each other's thoughts as they had throughout the crisis.

"What entrance did you use and why wasn't it on the blueprints?" At Queen and Diggle exchanged looks Lance continued sarcastically, "They may not have saved the day but the police would have pulled the building layouts in order to consider options."

"The abandoned building belongs to QC – Mr. Queen bought it. City records are easy enough to hack, I mean, alter." Felicity started the answer.

"Once we knew it was ours, we made some adjustments in order to have more security and options. We needed that to not be public knowledge." Oliver continued.

"You expected masked gunmen to storm the place?" Lance couldn't resist the taunt.

"A soldier knows to always expect trouble…I assume it's the same for policemen." Diggle responded.

"Do you know who they are? What they wanted?" Lance redirected.

"We'll be looking into that mystery ourselves." Queen's voice was quiet and his gaze and touch dropped to Felicity's bandaged ribs. Lance spared a moment of pity for those responsible for hurting Ms. Smoak but found he couldn't blame Oliver for that response.

"Corporate espionage isn't personal." Diggle added.

"Still think someone else was calling the shots – no one leaves millions on the table without reason." Roy joined the conversation.

"Small group, not very experienced…yeah, someone else had to be behind it." Diggle concurred.

"It would help to know what the police find out during the course of their investigation." It was Queen who added that point and Lance found all eyes trained on him expectantly.

Lance realized in that moment that it was time to read the writing on the wall or to walk away. He took the moment to again look at the group in front of him as a myriad of thoughts ran through his head about them, about today. However, the one thought that stood out was his daughter Sara.

When the silence lengthened Lance noted that the Queen and Diggle again exchanged looks but it was Felicity who stood up and reached for his arm. He glanced at her surprise as she walked them both without speaking a word.

Lance followed compliantly until they reached the alley then he shook off her concern and started pacing furiously. The buzzing in his head returned with a vengeance even if it was only a single repeating mantra, If Oliver Queen is the Arrow then do I help him? What about Sara?

"Detective—" Felicity began quietly but Lance interrupted.

"I guess it's your turn to pitch the Oliver Queen is a super hero thing, huh? Makes sense as I've already heard it from Thea and Diggle. Take your best shot Ms. Smoak but you can't change the past." Lance knew he was lashing out unfairly at the blond but he couldn't reign in the anger, fear and confusion coursing through his veins.

"No, I'm not going to pitch anything to you. Not because I don't believe it but because it's not important right now. What's important is the man behind the mask...Oliver's not who he plays in public and he's not who you knew before the island." Felicity paused and waited until Lance met her eyes before she continued. "I know you saw what Sara can do but it's not who she is. It's not Oliver's place to Sara's story and you shouldn't have asked him—"

"Has he told you? Do you know what happened to them?"

"I know some but I don't ask questions…the occasional sarcastic comment, yes, but there's not relevant right now. The island changed them but it's not the only thing that defines them now, it's not who they are. They are struggling enough with that one their own so we can't add to that burden, not if we love them. They'll talk when they want but that may never happen. You have to accept them for who they are now."

"And if I can't?" Lance questioned miserably.

"You have already accepted Sara and actually you've now accepted Oliver too…you are just too stubborn to admit it. Luckily for you, I work with a lot of stubborn men so I'm ok waiting you out! Did you I know I once changed Oliver's security code so he couldn't leave a room and avoid talking to me?"

Lance looked at her in surprise and didn't know how to respond but Felicity didn't even wait for his to formulate one.

"Let's see, I once threw tennis balls at him because he wasn't listening, hmm, still need to work on improving my aim though…John and I chased him down to Lian Yu after the Glades destruction and dragged him back here, of course, that was after he rescued me from a landmine…I brought Barry Allen inside to save Oliver and when Oliver found out, well, we had a yelling match about that one. I won, of course." Felicity broke off the litany with a grin.

"Harper mentioned you were scary but I didn't believe him." Lance didn't try to stop his grin as Felicity burst into joyous laughter.

"And you are on Oliver's side right or are you some secret weapon against him?" Lance had to ask and was only half joking.

"Always on his side, Detective, always." Felicity smiled sweetly before she continued, still with a sweet tone. "So do not EVER try to land another sucker punch."

This time it was Lance who laughed out loud. He sobered quickly and spoke quietly now, "I'm not ready…I just don't…I need time to think…"

"It's ok, I know you aren't ready but one day you will be. Just know that Oliver is a good man and you have a group of good friends in us." Felicity waited until his eyes again met hers before she added. "And you can still contact me if you need our Friend." Felicity leaned in to hug Lance.

"Ms. Smoak, can I ask you a question?" Lance just had to know one thing.

"Of course, Detective." Felicity responded with a smile.

"You walked back into that building with a bomb strapped to you. Why?" Lance's brow furrowed as that scene replayed in his mind – the smoke, screaming, fear and Oliver Queen fighting to follow her.

"I knew he would come, it's who he is. Oliver takes his responsibilities very seriously. If anyone could get me out it would be him…and if he couldn't, well, I didn't want to take any of you out with me." Felicity's voice had started strong, confident but ended in little more than a whisper.

Lance was moved by her absolute faith and determination to do what's right even if it cost her her own life. He was also grateful she was part of his daughter's life. Regardless of whether or not he could help Sara, he could do something here. "Felicity, I know what you did today, what you all did today. It was, is difficult to fight to make the City better – I know that is what you are doing. So I guess I'm saying that if you ever need help then just come to me. I owe you, I owe him that much at least." Lance offered this with a sincere smile and a hope for the future.

AN2 – Ok, I struggled with getting Lance on board (couldn't get him to actually call Oliver the Arrow) but hopefully this provides sufficient resolution as I wouldn't know where to go from here! I hope you all enjoyed the journey of Vigilant/ Team Arrow/ Man behind the mask even half as much as I did! My first fanfic writing experience has been phenomenal and I owe that to you all! I hope to continue Charlie's story as S2 starts up this week and I hope to see you there! THANK YOU!