A/N: Filler story for 2x21. There wasn't much in this one I thought needed expanded upon, but this small scene did pop into my head and I wanted to explore it. Not my typical thing, it's Laurel heavy so fair warning, but it was something I wanted to do.

Enjoy!

"I'm sure what you do is important. I've suspected he's had someone helping him with this for awhile even before I knew who he was. But he's the one putting his life on the line, not you!" Laurel's stance was wide and strong, most likely echoing how she looked in court.

Felicity felt her breath catch and whether it was psychosomatic or a very peculiar coincidence, the scar on her back chose that moment to throb. The nerves were still raw as they slowly healed, and she'd almost gotten used to the random flashes of pain that never failed to catch her off guard.

It was Digg that stepped forward before she'd had a chance to put her thoughts in order. Digg who had never had any love lost for gorgeous Laurel. Digg who had walked away once because of Oliver's blind spot for the misguided lawyer who stood in front of them.

"If you truly knew Oliver and truly understood what we did you wouldn't be saying that."

Laurel had the good grace to look slightly chagrined, "I'm sorry, you clearly serve a more hands on role. But...Felicity...what risk is there behind a computer screen. You can't think that-"

"Stop," Digg said forcefully, physically placing himself between the two women. Felicity was beginning to find her normally long fuse becoming shorter and shorter the more Laurel talked. "Ms. Lance….Laurel...I know you care about Oliver and this is all new and a surprise to you." he paused and let out a long sigh as if he was contemplating if he should keep speaking or not, "No one on this team has gone untouched. We've all been injured, all taken bullets, Felicity included."

The look of shock on the other woman's face was something she was sure she'd never forget.

"You…?"

"She saved the Canary." Digg said with emphasis and Laurel jumped, wide eyes swiveling from Digg back to Felicity. It was all the confirmation they needed to know she knew her sister's secret identity as well as Oliver's.

"Oh my god,"

"Easy decision," Felicity said with a shrug, "We're a team...a family. Taking a bullet for her…" she trailed off because Laurel looked liked she'd been struck.

As she processed what she'd learned Felicity stepped around Digg and approached her. "This isn't a zero-sum game. You don't need to prove your place in Oliver's life, or stake a claim to it. It's there. You'll always have it. But what we do...it's important. We're partners. Ultimately it's up to Oliver how involved you are in all of this. He's not perfect," she gave Laurel a small grin and half a shrug, "But he's also not the man you knew."

Laurel took a moment longer and then Felicity watched as she visibly collected herself, swallowing hard as her shoulders came back and her chin lifted. "I think...I think I'm beginning to realize that."

She took a step closer, "Thank you. For saving, Sara...I...we couldn't have lost her again. I'm sorry I…"

"It's okay," Felicity told her, eyes trailing to where Oliver still sat slumped over her desk sleeping off the remnants of the tranquilizer. Her heart clenched as she remembered the way he'd looked at her before he'd left. They were never going to let him sacrifice himself to Slade, but Laurel contacting them with the information about Blood had given them new ammunition.

Laurel followed her gaze and let out a long breath, "Blood's going to level the city with Slade's help and then have free rein to do whatever he wants in the aftermath."

Felicity moved forward until she and Digg were flanking Oliver and turned to look back at Laurel. "We're not going to let that happen,"