Changing The Future

Part 2

Disclaimer: Am I really, actually, doing an update for this idea? Why yes, yes I am! Though I imagine only long time readers (those that are left anyway) of this fic will remember the first part. Though I do believe I will be ignoring the existence of Shado's twin, Mei, for this particular idea. And in regards to dialogue, imagine Oliver and Shado speaking Mandarin the entire time.

Summary: Its Oliver's first day back at home and he's a bit… Out of sorts.

It had been two hours and a half since he'd gotten home and Oliver Jonas Queen couldn't help but feel… Out of sorts. As if being back in his home and his bedroom especially just didn't feel right to him and it bothered him. More so then the bruises to his face that both Laurel and Quentin had left on him where Sara was concerned. But he had deserved it so he hadn't done anything to retaliate and even had to stop his mom from going off the rails about the whole thing where Lance was concerned. Which she really hadn't liked but he wouldn't budge on the matter as it was the Detective's right to strike him. Thea was beyond elated he was home and had practically cried herself to sleep as well as he held her. Tommy had immediately wanted to go out and celebrate but Oliver wouldn't hear of it as he really didn't want to remove himself from Thea. That his friend hadn't seemed to change much while he had had bothered the former castaway as the wild funboy and ass he'd been felt like a lifetime ago. And if it hadn't of been for nature calling, Oliver more then likely would have remained where he was with Thea.

"You are troubled, aren't you?" Came Shado's voice in Mandarin.

Frowning, he turned to her as she stayed in the doorway of his bedroom. Shado had come with him and Sara back to America since she had nothing left for her in China to hold her there. Plus, she wanted to see where things could still go between herself and Oliver now that they were off the island and had gotten past the disgust she'd felt towards him for cheating on his former girlfriend with her sister. As she had realized that though it had happened, that kind of boy he was once was no longer even in existence. Slade had ended up returning to Australia to be debriefed and to see if they could find a way to cure him of the Mirakuru since while he appreciated being alive, he really didn't like the idea of the stuff being in him as there was no telling what could happen to him. He did however promise to pay them a visit when all was said and done.

"Yeah, I am." Oliver told her in Mandarin.

Figuring that she was needing the comfort of her home's language at that point in time. And when he thought about it, speaking more in Mandarin gave him more practice at the language. Shado nodded in understanding and stepped forward to give him a hug that he appreciated in that moment. "It is understandable given what you have been through, Oliver. I too feel troubled but I know that in time it will fade." She admitted as she pulled back slightly to look him in the eye.

And Oliver was a little relieved to know he wasn't the only one feeling troubled. "Think maybe stayin' in China could have helped you with this?"

Shado shook her head. "No, I don't think that would have been wise. Not when there are so many ghosts of my past there."

Oliver pulled her close to him to provide what comfort he could and sniffling was heard seconds later from the girl he had grown to care so much about and even begin to love. Sobs began to escape from her and he did nothing but hold her in his arms as she cried against his chest. Letting out everything she was feeling in that moment and greatly appreciating the rock that Oliver was being for her in that moment in time. Neither of them realizing that Moira was leaning against the wall near his bedroom door and hugging herself as she listened to the girl cry while curious as to what had been said in that other language. If Shado and I are feeling this way… God only knows how it is for Sara… Thought Oliver to himself as he held Shado tightly against him as she cried.

Especially when Laurel was being so cold towards her.

Author's Notes: Emotional gut punch anyone?