Blackness enveloped me on all sides. The only light came from the fire in front of me, and the others scattered around the camp. The warmth filled my torn insides. The blanket wrapped around my fair shoulders added to the heat.

There was a large bandage across my chest. Oliver and Diggle claimed that my chest pains were some sort of muscle strain, and that nerves were being hit, which is where the pain was coming from. I've been having these chest pains for awhile now, and I knew what they felt like: a gunshot wound. It felt like someone had shot me in the stomach. Why would I be feeling this way? It didn't make any sense.

I sipped on my tea and speculated. After the Tommy incident, my head kept reeling. I told everyone, especially Oliver, that I needed space. Thankfully, they respected that. Thankfully, they respected me.

I heard the crunching of sticks and ruffling of leaves ahead of me. A shadow of a tall, muscular figure appeared. Moments later, Oliver was in my sights. He stood on the opposite side of the fire, arms crossed, taking control of the entire camp. He was demanding attention.

"Mind if I sit?" he asked, although it didn't come out as a question, but a statement.

I nodded, motioning to my left. He sat himself down on a log beside me. We sat in silence for awhile, just taking pleasure in each other's company. The silence was refreshing. The camp was always quite busy during the day, and no one could really find any time for themselves, other than at night. Nighttime was when the feelings emerged. Everyone would creep out of their tents, mugs and blankets in hands, and just start talking about their day to their accomplices. This dynamic never happened at The Tower.

"What's on your mind, Felicity?" It sounded sweet as it rolled off his tongue. I liked the sound of Oliver saying my name. I wanted to hear it more. "Don't you think we should talk about what happened?"

His callused hands were clasped together, and his elbows rested on his knees. I could feel his eyes staring intently into mine, causing shivers to erupt all throughout my body. I let out a sigh.

"What is there to talk about?"

A smile formed on his lips. I could hear a stifled laugh as well. "Well, there's the fact that we kissed. I would think that in of itself would be a prominent topic for discussion." His hand was now resting on my knee, which was covered by my dark wash jeans. "Then there's the topic of you fainting. It's your choice."

I speculated for awhile, trying to conclude which topic would be a less painful and scarring introduction.

"I choose the latter."

Oliver cleared his throat and spoke. "How long have these pains been going on?"

"Since I met you." I looked away from his worried gaze. "Since I left The Tower."

His worried gaze was now one of anger. He crossed his muscular arms and huffed. "Felicity.. you've been with us for an entire year. Why didn't you mention this to me?"

I found myself to be standing now, my blanket flying off my shoulders. Oliver followed suit.

"I didn't think they were important. They weren't bad then," I said, exasperated.

I watched him start walking closer, and then stop in front of me. He carefully and slowly took my elbows in his hands, bringing my whole body closer. We were a mere inches apart.

Before either one of us could speak, the searing pain returned. I winced and fell to my knee.

"Felicity?" Oliver was now at my level. His hand was on my back, and he was calling for help.

Just as Thea came to my aid, someone called Oliver's name.

Thea and I, along with Oliver and the other members of our camp followed the voice.

Laurel was kneeling on the ground, helping a blonde girl, who's back was turned to us. Laurel's face was scratched and bruised. The blonde stood up and turned around.

My face fell.

"Felicity?"she breathed.

Her name was Sara Lance.

"So how's Starling?"

My cell phone was tucked between my left shoulder and left ear. Sara Lance's canary voice sang from the other end. She was currently God knows where with the League of Assassins, going all 'dominatrix' on the bad guys. Her and Nyssa made a pretty good team.

"Boring. It's all bank robbers and shoplifters."

She laughed. I walked into my living room where Oliver, having just had another typical night of catching some drug dealer, was icing his shoulder on the couch, his feet splayed out in front of him. The perp had dislocated Oliver's shoulder after a brief moment of indiscretion. When he heard me coming, he motioned for me to sit. I plopped myself down, his arm coming to rest over my shoulders.

"Well, I'm sorry it's not more exciting over there. I'm also sorry that I couldn't make it to the funeral. You know I wanted to. I really did."

"I know, Sara. I know."

I heard Nyssa's voice in the background, and her and Sara exchanged whispered musings. Moments later, Sara returned on the line.

"Listen, Felicity, I have to go. Tell Oliver and the team that I say hello."

I smiled. "I will."

"One last thing. If anything happens to you while I'm gone, anything at all, I need you to remember something for me."

"Sara, what's going on?" Oliver gave me a worried look as he heard my tone.

"Remember this, Felicity: love is never just skin deep."

There was a click. She was gone.