A year and six months of Living with the Queens.

Laughter filled the air around Oliver and Robert's grave, it was loud and it was pure. "Holy hell, you two... you would not guess what I just learned." Austin kneeled down, smiling. " I was curious, if I really was Robert's son... and so I found a DNA spell, one to lead me to relatives... and I found him. A man name Arnold Wilson, he used to work with my mother. I cast a spell, forced him to talk to me. He was sleeping with my mom right after you, Robert. I am not your kid, sadly... but I won't tell Moira. Cruel to use her, I know but she is the reason mom got fired, and that led to drugs, abuse and me homeless. This is her penance and my renaissance. I am a witch now, proud and potent in my own way.

I had wondered, we look a bit alike, you and I Oliver, but I guess mom had a type... I am sorry, I hope you can forgive me for this... for using Moira, and her resources to better myself. I deserve it though, and frankly so does she..."

Standing, in much better shape than he had been last time he created flowers over the grave, he muttered a spell and the flowers that had died on the grave grew back, strong and vibrant as before. It was amazing how much easier magic had become, no blood needed for the restoration of the flowers... it was lovely.

"I wish you a great afterlife, both of you... and hope that, some day, we get the chance to meet each other..."

Walking away from the graves, he had a lightness to his step that he once thought impossible... and that was born from happiness, inner peace and the knowledge that he was helping make the world a better place, in his own way. He hadn't killed anyone sense, sent over a hundred thugs, spouse abusers, drug dealers and gang bangers to prison or into the hospital with severe injuries.

All was well...

Today was going to be even better, he was going to learn how to read auras, palms and all sorts of divining skills... so fun!

:::

Two years of Living with the Queens, The day of Oliver's Return

"Is that Oliver?" Austin asked, looking out of the window, seeing Oliver Queen himself being led into the Mansion by Moira Queen... it was a haunting look...the man, his pretend brother, was walking with a stoic happiness but his aura told tales. Tales so strong it almost knocked Austin off of his feet, making him have to sit and focus for a moment. His aura, it reeked of sadness, loss and agony, soul deep. There was something wrong with Oliver, and Austin felt an instant soul deep need to help him, or stay out of his way when he eventually went postal. "I might as well go downstairs, meet him... maybe figure out what pain spell would work best for him."

He managed to be at the top of the stairs while Oliver was holding Thea. "You were with me the whole time." The man said, his heart oozing love.

Austin could not help but sigh, a bit envious of that love they shared. He had never experienced that, not even from the Queens who though kind were consumed with their own issues.

"Who are you?"

Austin jumped, turning to face a curious Oliver. " Austin Michaels... I... your mom is fostering me, has been for two years." he offered his own smile, getting one in return from the handsome survivor.

"Nice to meet you, Austin."

"Same, I am glad you are safe, for what little it is worth."

"I appreciate that..." And oddly enough, there was no awkwardness in him. Just genuine appreciation.

Austin could not hide his happiness and smiled. However, he also realized he could use this for his advantage and walked down, pulling Oliver into his own hug. It was warm and received well, Oliver actually hugged him back. "Sorry, I get easily moved by happy things." A true statement, but he was actually reading Oliver's aura and what he sensed was not good... actually it hurt to touch, the raw intensity was like touching fire, but he managed to not cringe. 'Courage, hate, inner loathing, fear, doubt and a wave of sadism plus altruistic joy. You are a walking contradiction, aren't you Oliver.'

Moira actually chuckled. "You are a bundle of nice today, Austin, what changed?"

"I am just happy. I was always hoping you'd see your son again... I am happy you got that Moira, I really am." He smiled at her, moved by his joy. "Now, if that is all, I have books to read and exercise to get to... so, I bid you adieu." And he hurried back up the stairs, trying to mask the waves of emotion he still felt from touching Oliver Queen. He immediately went to his room, to one specific book on mental healing, and opened it. "I need so much, he needs good dreams at the least, and something for PTSD, and Anxiety and... well, this is going to take me a while but I have everything for a basic soothing spell... lots of lavender and sage, shocker..."

And so he got settled into a new goal of helping the scarred Heart of Oliver Queen, a new goal that went well with the whole vigilante thing.

""

Oliver was sort of thrown by Austin, the cute guy was oddly affectionate and seemed extremely genuine in his embrace. It was nice to be appreciated, something Oliver just hadn't been used to for years. Turning to his mother, he asked. "He seems nice."

"He is, very nice. He got Thea into Kickboxing, she excels at it and is much safer for it. She's also a much better student since he's been tutoring her. Oh and He's written three fantasy books under a penname, and is considering going to college for studies in History and Mythology. He really is a wonderful person, I am very proud of him." And his mother too seemed genuinely appreciative of Austin...

All good marks in the boy's favor.

"How old is he?"

"Eighteen, a few weeks ago actually." Thea answered.

"I see..." And Oliver could not hide the simple smile that just maybe, things would be so bad now that he was back...

Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.

This was a lot of fun to write, the huge time skip was needed. I showed what I needed to, and I loved writing it.

Love, your Ninja Overlord,

Mika.