9. Talk to Me

So here it is! Probably my last update for the weekend. I will try my hardest to keep you guys posted over the course of the next week (I have exams coming up and I have like NO TIME what-so-ever). Thank you for all of the comments, favorites/follows, they always bring a smile to my face :)

Diggle called the SCPD as soon as the trio was clear of the abandoned building, as it was clear Oliver was too focused on making sure his Girl Wednesday was still breathing. Detective Lance wasn't happy about the middle-of-the-night call, especially after what went down at the Queen's yesterday evening, but, it's all part of the job. And by now, he was only too used to it.

Felicity had collapsed after their little conversation about the hospital, probably due too exhaustion and the after-effects of the monoxide. Diggle expressed concern for her and attempted to persuade Oliver to take her to the hospital, but he knew he wouldn't hear the end of it when she found out, and Oliver wouldn't go back on his word, not since the first time Felicity had to drive him to their underground lair when he was shot by his mother.

At 3:00 in the morning, the streets were nearly empty, and Digg drove at least 20 over the speed limit. Still being cautious of his turns, he didn't want Felicity to increase the amount of head trauma she was already experiencing. Every few minutes or so he would look in his rear view mirror and watch Oliver still holding her in his arms, every once in a while calling her softly, in hopes that she would wake up and return to her normal, babbling self.

No such luck, though. She stayed silent and unconscious, which made Digg very uncomfortable, for she was the one that could always brighten his or Oliver's day no matter what the circumstance. It hurt him to think Felicity would question her role of the team. She was the rock. She held everything together, performing her best no matter what the task. It hurt him more that Oliver didn't seem to recognize the work she did day and night. Or, if he did, he doesn't show it enough.

The man is so fueled by his emotions that he loses focus of the little things that make his life worth living. Though he would never mention it, Oliver still acquires a few characteristics of his former billionaire-playboy self. Of course, Digg had been fine with it, not wanting to pry into his personal life, but he knew Felicity had feelings for Oliver that Oliver probably wished he had. That girl was different. She was always at Oliver's side if he needed her, and never asked for anything in return.

Diggle looked back to the road ahead of him and sighed audibly.

"You alright, John? I'm sorry, I never got the chance to ask what went on back there." Oliver asked, softly. "I'm fine, Oliver. It's over now." By the tone of his voice, Oliver could tell he didn't want to speak of it anymore right now. Though, if only for Felicity's sake or his own, he didn't know.

A few tears were threatening to stream down Oliver's face as he continued to stare at his partner in his arms. He couldn't get his emotions straight. He was angry that Felicity had gone into the field alone, she was smarter than that. She could have been killed, not that he wanted to think about that scenario at the moment. He just had to hold onto the fact that she was going to be alright. 'Why aren't we there yet?' he thought impatiently.

Five minutes later, they pulled into the dark parking lot in the back of the Verdant. Digg opened the door as Oliver carried Felicity in, holding her securely to his chest, making sure she stayed out of harms' way.

He set her on the table carefully, mentally noting to obtain more blankets for the basement. It was freezing down here and it didn't help that Felicity was soaked to the bone through her clothing. Digg had managed to find an electric blanket and a few fleece throws in the emergency kit, and hooked up the small oxygen mask to Felicity. They noticed an almost instant increase in her pulse. For the first time since they got to the lair, Digg looked up to Oliver.

"I got her breathing back to normal, so this is your job" Diggle said, holding up the blankets. Oliver sighed, about to reply when they heard footsteps coming down the foundry stairs.

"Ollie?" Oliver closed his eyes. It was Sara. "Over here Sara, but please, keep it down". She looked confused for a few moments, until she saw the girl on the table. "Oh my god, what happened? Is she alright?"

"She should be fine, we got into some trouble with the Clock King after your welcome-home party. We've all had a long night." Sara nodded, understanding. "Long story short, we won't be having any more problems with him.", sadness displaying on the bodyguards' features.

"Okay, I see that you are both exhausted so I won't press any more questions right now, but why does she still have wet clothing on?" she accused, looking over Felicity. Oliver replied "we just got here a few minutes ago, I was going to..."

"Don't worry about it. I'll take care of her", Sara said, knowingly saving Oliver the awkwardness of having to undress his partner. Oliver thanked her silently, and then headed up the basement stairs to get a drink. Diggle stood up, looking once more at Felicity, who was peacefully sleeping on the table, and proceeded up the stairs, following Oliver.

I am planning a good conversation between John and Oliver, so if I am a bit late on my next update, it is for your benefit ;) Please rate/review!